A study revealed that when fine dust levels reach "unhealthy" levels, the risk of angina increases by up to 25%. Exposure to high concentrations of fine dust for more than 48 hours increased the risk of angina.
A research team led by Professor Seung-un Na of the Cardiovascular Center at Konyang University Gu-ro Hospital (co-research team including Dr. Byung-geol Choi of Konyang University Gu-ro Hospital, Professor Sung-uk Kim, and Research Professor Min-woo Lee of the Department of Health and Environmental Convergence Science, College of Health Science) selected 6,430 participants without coronary artery disease from 2004 to 2014 and analyzed the correlation between air pollution exposure time and the risk of coronary artery disease. Air pollution measurements were based on data released by the Korea Institute of Environmental Technology, and were categorized into five items: fine dust (PM10), sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and ozone.
The results showed that at "unhealthy" air quality index levels (average fine dust concentration of 85㎍/㎥ over 72 hours), the risk of angina increased by 25% compared to "good" air quality index levels (average fine dust concentration of 25㎍/㎥ over 72 hours). Furthermore, for every 20㎍/㎥ increase in average fine dust concentration, the risk of angina increased by 4%.
It is believed that fine dust enters the bloodstream, activates inflammation in blood vessels, and that this inflammation causes angina.
This is the first time that a large-scale study has proven that fine dust is a cause of angina.
Professor Na Seung-un emphasized that "people with weak cardiovascular systems, especially women, those over 65, and hypertensive patients, should be mindful of fine dust by wearing masks or avoiding going outdoors."
