Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults: A retrospective cohort study in South Korea

초록

While particulate matter (PM) exposure and aging are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), large-scale studies focusing on older adults remain limited. This population-based retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the long-term impact of PM2.5 exposure on CVD risk using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database on a total of 1,708,942 individuals aged 65 years and older without a history of CVD. The subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) for the association between PM2.5 exposure and CVD risk were estimated using the Fine-Gray model, treating overall death as a competing risk, with adjustment for demographic, clinical, lifestyle, co-pollutants, and meteorological variables. A significant association was observed between higher concentrations of PM2.5 and an increased risk of CVD (P for trend <0.001). Individuals residing in areas with the highest concentrations of PM2.5 (Q4) had a higher risk of CVD (sHR, 1.06; 95 % CI, 1.05-1.08) compared to those living in areas with the lowest concentrations (Q1). These findings suggest that high concentrations of PM2.5 exposure may contribute to an increased risk of CVD in older adults. Stronger regulations and proactive efforts to reduce air pollution exposure may be promising against the risk of CVD in the older population.

키워드