Physical activity in the relationship between multiple air pollutants exposure and risk of hypertension: a prospective cohort study in China
Abstract
This study is targeted to explore the relationship between exposure to various air pollutants (PM1, PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NO2) and hypertension risk, and to assess the role of physical activity in this relationship among Chinese adults. The association between multiple ambient air pollutants (with separate models for each pollutant) and hypertension was explored using time-varying Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusted for season, spatial autocorrelation, demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors. The median follow-up was 4 years. The interaction tests revealed significant interactions between physical activity and exposure to PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and NO2, but not for O3 (P > 0.05). Physically active participants did not show significant increases in hypertension risk from pollutants. In contrast, inactive participants faced higher risks: PM1 (12.9%), PM2.5 (6.0%), PM10 (5.0%), NO2 (17.0%). Finally, in the multiple pollutant models, controlling for NO2 nullified the significance of PM1 and PM2.5, while adjusting for O3 increased their HRs. PM10 and O3 remained significant in all models, and adjusting for PM10 or both PM10 and O3 eliminated the significance of NO2. Higher concentrations of air pollution were linked to a heightened risk of developing hypertension among Chinese adults; however, physical activity may help mitigate this elevated risk.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.
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