MECHANISMS OF AIR POLLUTION HEALTH EFFECTS IN SUBJECTS WITH HEART FAILURE

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Hospitalization rates among patients with congestive heart failure are extremely high. Epidemiologic studies suggest that short-term increases in ambient air pollution are associated with increased risk of hospitalization in this population, but the mechanisms of this effect have not been investigated. Therefore, we will conduct a prospective, repeated-measures study to evaluate the mechanisms by which particulate air pollution affects autonomic function, inflammation, and vascular endothelial function in a cohort of patients with congestive heart failure. These mechanisms have been evaluated in a number of normal and susceptible populations, but never specifically in subjects with congestive heart failure. The goals of this pilot study are to: a) demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed study, b) refine our study design, and c) refine calculations for statistical power and sample size. Understanding the underlying mechanisms may lead to new preventative strategies, new treatments, or improved air quality.