Air pollution linked to heart scarring in adults with hypertension and kidney disease

Highlights

• Among adults with hypertension, air pollution exposure was not linked with blood levels of Galectin 3, a marker of scarring in the heart; however, in adults who also had chronic kidney disease, air pollution exposure was associated with rising levels of Galectin 3.
• Results from the study will be presented online at ASN Kidney Week 2021 November 4–November 7.

Newswise — San Diego (November 4, 2021) — New research indicates that air pollution may have detrimental heart-related effects in individuals with kidney disease. The findings will be presented online at ASN Kidney Week 2021 November 4–November 7. 

In the study of 1,019 adults with hypertension, investigators found no link between air pollution exposure and blood levels of Galectin 3, a marker of scarring in the heart; however, in adults who had chronic kidney disease (CKD) in addition to hypertension, air pollution exposure was associated with rising levels of Galectin 3 over time.

“Air pollution may be directly linked to the development of myocardial fibrosis in individuals with CKD,” said lead author Hafsa Tariq, MD. “Efforts to limit air pollution could have a beneficial effect on lowering subclinical cardiovascular disease in CKD.”

Study: “Galectin 3 and Air Pollution in Hypertensive Patients with and without Chronic Kidney Disease” 

ASN Kidney Week 2021, the largest nephrology meeting of its kind, will provide a forum for nephrologists and other kidney health professionals to discuss the latest findings in research and engage in educational sessions related to advances in the care of patients with kidney diseases and related disorders.  

Since 1966, ASN has been creating a world without kidney diseases by educating and informing, driving breakthroughs and innovation, and advocating for policies that create transformative changes in kidney medicine throughout the world. ASN has more than 21,000 members representing 131 countries. For more information, visit www.asn-online.org.

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