Air Purifiers, Cleaners & Ionizers
Reviews, Comparisons & Buying Guide

Dirty Air and High Blood Pressure
German Study Shows Link

NEW YORK (Reuters) - People who are trying to lower their blood pressure might want to consider the amount of pollution in the air they breathe in addition to the amount of salt in their food, German researchers report.

In a study of more than 2,600 adults, blood pressure rose in tandem with air pollution levels. Pollution may cause changes in the part of the nervous system that controls blood pressure, which would also mean it could increase the likelihood of heart attacks and other cardiac problems, according to Angela Ibald-Mulli and colleagues from GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health in Neuherberg, Germany.

The findings are published in the April issue of the American Journal of Public Health, journal of the American Public Health Association (news - web sites).

Investigators measured blood pressure in adults aged 25 to 64 in association with concentrations of air pollutants in southern Germany during two periods: 1984-1985 and 1987-1988. Some samples were taken in January 1985, when air pollution in central Europe was particularly acute and resulted in an increased number of hospitalizations for heart problems.

Concentrations of particulates in the air and to a lesser extent, sulfur dioxide, were associated with an increase in systolic blood pressure of 1.79 mm Hg. Systolic pressure, the upper number in a blood pressure reading, measures pressure when the heart contracts.

Among individuals with other risk factors for heart disease such as increased heart rate, systolic blood pressure rose by 6.93 mm Hg in tandem with air pollutants, the report indicates.

Ibald-Mulli and colleagues explain that air pollution can influence temperature, barometric pressure and humidity levels, which can affect blood pressure.

The new findings support a recent study in 20 of America's largest cities, which linked exposure to common pollutants from cars and factories to an increased risk of death. Another group of researchers estimate that air pollution may be responsible for about 5% of hospital admissions for heart disease.

While it is not clear why pollution is toxic to humans, experts suspect that pollutants inflame the lungs or cause the body to release chemicals that can affect heart function. Exactly how pollution might cause blood pressure to climb remains unclear.

SOURCE: American Journal of Public Health 2001;91:571-577.

Find the Right Air Purifier for
Your Unique Problem or Application

It's no mystery that the air inside our homes, offices and nearly every building we enter is contaminated with toxic air pollution problems. But wading through the plethora of air purification technologies and models to make our living and working space free of pollution can be a daunting task, especially with the misinformation presented by so many salespeople and web sites. There are many different air purification technologies and air filters on the market, but no one air purifier technology can solve every air pollution problem, which is why we carry different brands. For help determining which air purifier is right for you, click on one of the below links or call us toll free at 866-875-4386 (US and Canada).

Air Purifiers: by Problem - by Technology - by Brand - Air Purifier Buying Guide 

FREE Monthly Newsletters

We publish four FREE monthly newsletters: 1) Inspired Lifestyles News for inspiring, motivating and empowering quotes, stories and articles, 2) Healthy Lifestyles News with articles, tidbits, resources and products to help you live a healthier, more vibrant life, 3) Inspired Biz News with articles, stories, tidbits and resources to create a more spiritual, whole-living, balanced work environment, and 4) InspiredLiving.com News, Updates & Sale Announcements to announce new products, sales items and what's new with us. To subscribe to any or all newsletters, click here: Subscribe to Newsletters

Home Page | Ship Info | Return Policy | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us | Links | Newsletters

Copyright 1997-2010 Carol A. James All rights reserved. Last update: August 4, 2010