Relation between Accumulated Air Pollution Exposure and Sub-Clinical Cardiovascular Disease in 33,723 Danish 60–74-Year-Old Males from the Background Population (AIR-CARD): A Method Article

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death and disability in the Western world, and there is increasing evidence that air pollution is a risk factor for developing sub-clinical cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have shown a correlation between cardiovascular disease and short-term exposure to elevated air pollution levels. However, the literature on the impact of long-term effect of air pollution is limited. We have a unique opportunity to evaluate this correlation. The DEHM/UBM/AirGIS model system calculates air pollution in a high temporal and spatial resolution and traces air pollution retrospectively to year 1979. The model calculates accumulated exposure using annual exposure from PM_2.5 in relation to home and work addresses and takes into account working hours and holidays. We link the results from this model system to a population-based cardiovascular screening cohort of 33,723 individuals in the age of 60–74 to assess the contribution of the specific accumulated air pollution to the presence of sub-clinical arteriosclerosis in the coronary vessels, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and peripheral arterial disease. This correlation will be further analyzed in relation to specific air pollutants. This study will introduce more precise data for a longer period of time and incorporate participant’s home and work addresses.