Pollution Levels and Hospital Admissions
Sharp Increase Seen in Delhi
The study observed that hospital admissions for cardiovascular conditions in Delhi increased by 1.8% with every 10-point rise in the Air Quality Index (AQI). Similar increases were recorded for particulate matter, with admissions rising by 1.2% for PM10 and 2% for PM2.5.
No Clear Trend in Shimla
In contrast, Shimla did not show a consistent or statistically significant association between air pollution levels and cardiovascular emergencies, suggesting regional differences in exposure and vulnerability.
About the Study
Scope and Timeline
The pilot study was conducted between January and July 2021 and analysed more than 41,000 hospital admissions from selected tertiary care hospitals. Of these, over 11,000 cardiovascular events were recorded in Delhi and nearly 3,900 in Shimla.
One-Day Lag Effect
Data from Delhi revealed that heart-related emergencies typically increased within one day of a pollution spike, highlighting the immediate health risks posed by deteriorating air quality.
Common Cardiac Conditions Identified
Most Reported Heart Problems
Across both cities, myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease were the most frequently reported cardiovascular conditions requiring hospitalisation.
Differences in Patient Profiles
Lifestyle and Risk Factors
Researchers noted that patients in Delhi were generally younger and more likely to report physical inactivity, high-salt and high-fat diets, hypertension, and psychological stress. In Shimla, tobacco use and cooking with solid fuels were more commonly reported.
Research Institutions Involved
Titled “Piloting surveillance of environmental risks and cardiovascular events in Delhi and Shimla, India, 2021”, the study was published in the journal Discover Public Health by Springer Nature. It was conducted by researchers from the National Centre for Disease Control, the India Meteorological Department, and Safetynet, New Delhi.
