New Delhi: For Indian women living in polluted cities like Delhi, there is some concerning news. Women aged 15-49 are at a higher risk of developing hypertension when exposed to elevated levels of PM2.5 over prolonged periods, a recent study has revealed.
According to research published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, the prevalence of hypertension increased by 5.2per cent for every 10μg/m3 increase in ambient PM2.5 exposure. The effects were notably pronounced among rural residents, those who smoke, persons with obesity, and economically disadvantaged groups.
The research further showed that the impact of PM2.5 exposure was more on women aged 30-39 and 40-49 than those aged 15-29. This suggests that extended exposure to PM2.5, alongside age-related physical changes, potentially increases the likelihood of hypertension development in older women.
Air pollution is among the foremost environmental threats to human health. A staggering 90per cent of people worldwide face exposure to air quality levels that surpass the guidelines established by the World Health Organisation (WHO-AQG).
PM2.5, a significant air contaminant, possesses the ability to infiltrate lung tissue and circulate through blood vessels, leading to adverse effects on heart function (ischemic heart disease), brain blood flow (stroke) and breathing mechanisms. The presence of PM2.5 in the environment correlates with higher rates of heart and respiratory ailments, subsequently increasing illness and death rates.
Researchers stated that among PM2.5 species, exposure to black carbon and sulphate (generated from combustion sources) showed a stronger association than organic carbon and dust with hypertension prevalence in this population.
One of the authors of the study, Prof Sagnik Dey from Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT Delhi, said implementing effective measures to control air quality could significantly reduce the number of hypertension cases in this population. He emphasised that focusing on sources releasing dangerous PM2.5 particles would yield significant improvements in public health outcomes.
The analysis also indicated that meeting the National Clean Air Programme goal and WHO air quality standards could potentially lower hypertension occurrence by 2.4per cent and 4.2per cent, respectively.
According to cardiologists, hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in women. One in four adult women has hypertension in India. However, recent studies have shown that only 10 in 100 have their blood pressure under control. Cardiovascular disease claims more women’s lives than any other disease.
Another author of the study, Dr Ambuj Roy, said the data is consistent with other national and international studies, which have shown a spike in blood pressure with rising air pollution.
“We have seen this in our clinics also, where patients with controlled blood pressure have come with significantly raised blood pressure requiring extra medication. Thus, it is advisable that people should get their blood pressure checked during days of heavy air pollution, which often coincides with the winter season in Delhi,” he said.
