New study shows air pollution may worsen pulmonary arterial hypertension

A recent European study published in the European Respiratory Journal has found that living in areas with lots of air pollution may make pulmonary arterial hypertension worse compared to living in areas with less pollution.

People with PAH have blood vessels in their lungs that are thicker and stiffer than normal, so it is harder for blood to pass through.

Researchers asked around 300 people with PAH about their health over time and where they live. They looked at the air pollution where participants lived and checked whether they lived near busy roads.

The study found that people with PAH who lived in areas with less air pollution survived for longer compared to those living in areas with more pollution. Those who lived in areas with more air pollution were also more likely to need a lung transplant.

The researchers also found that those who lived near busy roads were more likely to have a more severe type of PAH.

These results could help researchers understand how air quality affects people with PAH. More studies are needed to confirm these results by looking at a larger group of people with the condition, and to see if improving air quality helps people who are living with PAH.

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Read our factsheet on pulmonary arterial hypertension

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