Air Pollution Linked To Heart Attack

An article published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis looksspecifically at airborne particulate matter resulting mainly from thecombustion of fuel, including coal and also from forest fires. Evidenceshows that both short- and long-term exposure to these particulates isassociated with death from cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses,and more specifically from myocardial infarction.

Additionally, this research, based on a previous study, reveals thatthose patients with damaged arteries are most at risk to suffer fromlung inflammation and fatal blood clots.

Each year, 1.1 million people experience myocardial infarction, whichresults from the obstruction of a diseased coronary artery.

This study is published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

About the Author
Jos Vermylen is Professor of Medicine at the Univeristy of Leuven, Belgium and a retired expert on clot development. 

About the Journal
The mission of the Journal of Thrombosisand Haemostasis is to advance science related to the important medicalproblems of thrombosis, bleeding disorders and vascular biology throughthe diffusion and exchange of information and ideas within theinternational research community. The Journal publishes high quality,original research reports, state-of-the art reviews, invited commentaryand debate on timely topics, letters and announcements. 

About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher,partnering with more than 600 academic and professional societies.Blackwell publishes over 750 journals annually and, to date haspublished close to 6,000 text and reference books, across a wide rangeof academic, medical, and professional subjects.