Exposure to fine particles increases blood pressure of hypertensive outdoor workers: A panel study

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and air pollution are two important risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although several studies suggest that air pollution has a significant impact on blood pressure, studies on long-term effects are sparse and still controversial. OBJECTIVE: on blood pressure. DESIGN: This is an observational panel study. PARTICIPANTS: 88 non-smoking workers exposed to different concentrations of air pollution were evaluated weekly along four successive weeks. MEASUREMENTS: , adjusted for age, body mass index, time in job, daily work hours, diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol was assessed by means of multiple linear regression models fitted by least squares. RESULTS: is associated with increments of 3.9 mm Hg (CI 95% = [1.5; 6.3]) in average systolic 24-h blood pressure for hypertensive and/or diabetic workers. CONCLUSION: Exposure to fine particles, predominantly from vehicular traffic, is associated with elevated blood pressure in hypertensive and/or diabetic workers.