New Delhi: A recent study by Chinese researchers has found that older adults, particularly elderly men, face a heightened risk of ischemic stroke due to long-term exposure to air pollution. Ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to parts of the brain is reduced because of blocked blood vessels, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in polluted air is a key factor behind this risk.
The research, conducted by scientists at Shandong First Medical University, assessed the impact of air pollution on ischemic stroke cases in China between 1990 and 2021. It also analyzed variations based on age and gender and projected the disease burden up to 2036.
Published in BMC Public Health, the findings revealed a general decline in age-standardized mortality rates and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with air pollution-related ischemic strokes. However, the decrease was more gradual in men, with older males bearing a significantly higher disease burden than other groups.
“This suggests the need for gender-specific interventions and policies that target male populations, particularly the elderly, to reduce their exposure to air pollution and its adverse health effects,” said the researchers.
Earlier research indicates that both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution can raise the likelihood of ischemic stroke.
One possible explanation is that inhaling fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from the environment may promote atherosclerosis—a condition that narrows and hardens blood vessels—impacting both small vessels in the brain and major arteries, which in turn elevates stroke risk.
The study emphasized the importance of implementing robust air quality control measures and increasing public awareness about the health dangers of air pollution, especially for high-risk groups like older men.
“Government actions could include stricter regulations on industrial emissions, promoting the use of clean energy, and increasing public health campaigns to educate people about the risks of air pollution and the importance of protective behaviours,” said the researcher
