BHF researchers to unravel effects of traffic pollution on heart health

(2005-08-22) British Heart Foundation

BHF scientists are gearing up to unravel the biology that links traffic pollution to heart attacks.

Researchers at the Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh have been awarded BHF funds of nearly £1.2million to undertake a five year collaborative research programme investigating how diesel exhaust pollution causes sickness in blood vessels that can lead to heart and circulatory disease.

The results will help us understand what environmental measures must be taken to minimize harm to our heart health - and how we can protect those most at risk from pollution.

Research not bad news for cyclists
Currently there is no proven link between pollution and heart disease. But to better understand how it might cause problems, the BHF has funded Dr David Newby at the Univeristy of Edinburgh to look at this in detail.

The BHF stresses that the research is not bad news for cyclists in cities. For most cyclists, the benefits to their heart health from regular exercise far outweighs risk from pollution, which has yet to be directly proven.

Cycling is a great way to keep fit, and combined with a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables, can help keep your heart healthy.

We are a long way from proving a link between heart attacks and pollution but the results of the research will help us better understand which microscopic particles in exhaust fumes could cause problems. Armed with these results we will be in a better position to protect cyclists in the future.

More about the BHF's research
BHF researchers, led by Dr Newby, have found that exposure to diesel engine emissions affects the cells that line blood vessels ('endothelial cells').

This impairs vessel function in two ways: reducing 'vascular tone' - the control of contraction and relaxation of blood vessels - and reducing 'fibrolysis'- the ability to break down dangerous blood clots in the heart. These are effects similar to those caused by smoking cigarettes.

Now, the new research efforts will aim to solve some of the biological unknowns behind these harmful processes, as well as defining the components and levels of polluted air that are most dangerous, and the length of time after exposure that we are vulnerable to the ill effects.

The research programme will measure blood pressure, blood flow, and biological indicators of inflammation - a risk factor in heart and circulatory disease - after volunteers have been exposed to polluted or clean air.

Another part of the work will investigate in detail the effects of exposure to pollution in mice.

Researchers will closely examine the health of blood vessels and explore the biological processes that underpin the changes.

This will provide clues about how air pollution causes disease in humans so that we can work out exactly how to combat it.

Dr Newby, BHF Reader in cardiology at the University of Edinburgh and lead researcher of the programme, commented: "We have already shown that diesel exhaust impairs two important and complementary aspects of heart and circulation health, therefore contributing to the development of heart disease."

"Now, with further support from the BHF, we can investigate and define why, when and how our health is affected by air pollution. This will help to mold future pollution control strategies and help to protect those most at risk."

Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director of British Heart Foundation, says: "There is some evidence around the world that people with heart disease should limit outdoor activities when pollution is high.

"This BHF research will help us to provide clear, evidence-based advice for UK heart patients and healthy people that have high risk of heart disease, as well as feeding into future environment policy.

In the meantime, visit our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthealth for advice on keeping your heart healthy."