Time Series Analysis of the Acute Effect of Atmospheric Fine Particulate Matter on Hospitalization for Heart Failure in Lanzhou, China

Exposure to particulate matter can lead to an increased incidence of heart failure. Our study once again shows that PM2.5 exposure increases the risk of heart failure hospital admission. Heart failure is a common and expensive fatal condition. Reducing PM2.5 exposure will benefit cardiovascular health and save on healthcare costs. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between environmental PM2.5 and heart failure (HF) hospitalization in Lanzhou, China.MethodThe correlation between atmospheric PM2.5 and HF hospitalization was evaluated using a distributed lag nonlinear model.ResultDuring the study period, 16,122 HF patients were hospitalized. The average concentration of PM2.5 is 45.24 & mu;g/m3. PM2.5 was positively correlated with HF hospitalization with single lag (lag0) and cumulative lag (lag01, lag02, lag03). The maximum lag effect is estimated to occur in lag03, and with the PM2.5 concentration increasing by 10 & mu;g/m3, HF hospitalization risk increased by 1.023 (95% confidence interval, 1.006-1.039). The risk of hospitalization for HF in the male group, the age group 65 years or older, and the cold season was statistically significant and more positively correlated.ConclusionPM2.5 exposure increases the risk of HF admission in Lanzhou.