Key result
Chronic air pollution exposure below US standards is linked to higher incident AF risk.
Why the study?
The relationship between air pollution and atrial fibrillation is unclear, and prior studies have been limited by exposure measurement error.
Does chronic air pollution exposure increase the risk of incident atrial fibrillation in a multi-ethnic cohort?
Cohort
Does chronic air pollution exposure increase the risk of incident atrial fibrillation in a multi-ethnic cohort?
Chronic air pollution exposure, even at levels well below current U.S. EPA annual standards, may be associated with an increased risk of incident atrial fibrillation.
BACKGROUND: Consistent evidence indicates that air pollution negatively impacts cardiovascular health. However, the relationship between air pollution and atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear, and exposure measurement error has been a significant concern for prior studies. OBJECTIVE: This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the association of chronic air pollution exposure and risk of AF. METHODS: ) were assessed from 2000-2018 using hierarchical spatiotemporal models that incorporated cohort-specific monitoring to estimate ambient exposure at participants' residences. In Cox regression models, pollution estimates were represented as time-varying exposures, with 2-year rolling averages updated every 30 days. In our primary model, we adjusted for demographics and health behaviors. RESULTS: were weaker but also directionally consistent with higher risk. CONCLUSION: exposure estimates (median 17.3 ppb) fell well below the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency annual standard of 53 ppb.
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Cannon et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Atrial fibrillation. Chronic air pollution exposure was evaluated on Incident atrial fibrillation. Chronic air pollution exposure (median 17.3 ppb, falling below the U.S. standard of 53 ppb) was directionally consistent with a higher risk of incident atrial fibrillation.
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