Modifiers of PM2.5 Associated Health Effects in Vulnerable Populations

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is a global health issue linked to increased mortality, cardiovascular problems, and hospital visits. The impact of PM2.5 varies based on factors like clinical condition, age, social determinants of health, location, and medication use. This study examines how clinical conditions and medication impact PM2.5 outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and heart failure (HF). PM2.5 is associated with cardiovascular issues, causing dysfunction through various pathways. One area not fully explored is how commonly prescribed medications affect sensitivity to PM2.5, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease who typically have high medication usage. We focused on HF patients due to their heightened sensitivity to PM2.5 and significant medication use, specifically examining β-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs.Our findings indicate that these medications reduce the impact of short-term PM2.5 exposure on vital signs in HF patients and an animal model. We also looked into adding environmental data to predict 30-day readmissions in COVID-19 patients, considering the connections between PM2.5, social determinants of health, and readmissions. These studies aim to enhance our understanding of the link between the environment and health, identify mechanisms by which PM2.5 causes vascular dysfunction, and reveal how environmental pollutants and socioeconomic factors influence health outcomes.