Urban air pollution increases plasma fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels in susceptible patients.

BACKGROUND

The cardiovascular effects on fibrinolytic activity by urban air pollution are still unknown.

METHODS

Paired fasting blood samples during high and low air pollution days in Taipei were taken from a panel of 49 patients with coronary heart disease or multiple risk factors to study their fibrinolytic and inflammatory response to urban air pollution. Paired t-tests and mixed-effects models were used to determine the air pollution effects.

RESULTS

Patients' plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels were significantly increased when hourly concentrations of particulate matter with diameters less than 10 microm (PM10) were greater than 100 microg/m during the period 0800 to 1800 h.

CONCLUSION

Urban air pollution has an adverse effect on plasma fibrinolytic function in a susceptible population.