<p>Air pollution may have detrimental effects on the heart in individuals with hypertension and kidney disease, according to a study.</p>.<p>The researchers found that in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in addition to hypertension, air pollution exposure was associated with rising levels of Galectin 3, a marker of scarring in the heart.</p>.<p>The findings were presented online at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2021 on Thursday.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/poor-air-quality-recorded-at-many-places-in-haryana-punjab-a-day-after-diwali-1047632.html">Poor air quality recorded at many places in Haryana & Punjab, a day after Diwali </a></strong></p>.<p>"Air pollution may be directly linked to the development of myocardial fibrosis in individuals with CKD," said study lead author Hafsa Tariq, from Case Western Reserve University in the US.</p>.<p>Myocardial fibrosis arises when a type of cell in the heart called fibroblasts to produce collagenous scar tissue. It can lead to heart failure and death.</p>.<p>"Efforts to limit air pollution could have a beneficial effect on lowering subclinical cardiovascular disease in CKD," Tariq said.</p>.<p>Satellite-derived measurements of smaller particulate matter, PM2.5, were linked with participants in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/delhis-air-quality-deteriorated-due-to-farm-fires-bursting-of-firecrackers-gopal-rai-1047603.html">Delhi's air quality deteriorated due to farm fires, bursting of firecrackers: Gopal Rai </a></strong></p>.<p>A total of 1,019 participants with available Galectin 3 levels at study baseline and 24 months follow-up were included in these analyses.</p>.<p>The researchers adjusted for age, sex, race and body mass index, among many other factors to assess the association between air pollution and Galectin 3 at baseline and longitudinal change at two years.</p>.<p>The study concluded that air pollution may be associated with worsening myocardial fibrosis as evidenced by increasing levels of Galectin 3 in individuals with preexisting CKD.</p>.<p>The researchers noted that further studies are needed to corroborate these findings with rigorous cardiac imaging studies.</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>
<p>Air pollution may have detrimental effects on the heart in individuals with hypertension and kidney disease, according to a study.</p>.<p>The researchers found that in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in addition to hypertension, air pollution exposure was associated with rising levels of Galectin 3, a marker of scarring in the heart.</p>.<p>The findings were presented online at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2021 on Thursday.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/poor-air-quality-recorded-at-many-places-in-haryana-punjab-a-day-after-diwali-1047632.html">Poor air quality recorded at many places in Haryana & Punjab, a day after Diwali </a></strong></p>.<p>"Air pollution may be directly linked to the development of myocardial fibrosis in individuals with CKD," said study lead author Hafsa Tariq, from Case Western Reserve University in the US.</p>.<p>Myocardial fibrosis arises when a type of cell in the heart called fibroblasts to produce collagenous scar tissue. It can lead to heart failure and death.</p>.<p>"Efforts to limit air pollution could have a beneficial effect on lowering subclinical cardiovascular disease in CKD," Tariq said.</p>.<p>Satellite-derived measurements of smaller particulate matter, PM2.5, were linked with participants in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/delhis-air-quality-deteriorated-due-to-farm-fires-bursting-of-firecrackers-gopal-rai-1047603.html">Delhi's air quality deteriorated due to farm fires, bursting of firecrackers: Gopal Rai </a></strong></p>.<p>A total of 1,019 participants with available Galectin 3 levels at study baseline and 24 months follow-up were included in these analyses.</p>.<p>The researchers adjusted for age, sex, race and body mass index, among many other factors to assess the association between air pollution and Galectin 3 at baseline and longitudinal change at two years.</p>.<p>The study concluded that air pollution may be associated with worsening myocardial fibrosis as evidenced by increasing levels of Galectin 3 in individuals with preexisting CKD.</p>.<p>The researchers noted that further studies are needed to corroborate these findings with rigorous cardiac imaging studies.</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>