Both long and short-term exposure to certain air pollutants could lead to high blood pressure, according to a new study.
Researchers in China analyzed a large group of previous studies in order to determine what effects air pollution has on hypertension risk.
They found that air pollution can cause changes in the arteries by way of inflammation and oxidative stress. This could then lead to the progression of high blood pressure.
Among the air pollutants considered for this study were those associated with coal burning, vehicle exhaust, and airborne dust and dirt.
This study was conducted by researchers at Guangdong Provincial Institue of Public Health in China and published the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension.