HEPA Filters Improve Cardiovascular Health In Elderly

Ever since my father suffered a severe heart attack after working in a big pile of moldy leaves, I have suspected that exposure to fine particulate matter, and the blood vessel inflammation that results, is associated with risk of cardiovascular events.

Now researchers from the Institute of Public Health in Copenhagen, Denmark, have tested high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filters in healthy, non-smoking elderly people.

They published their study results in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society.

The study shows the effect of clean air in the home on heart health.

The researchers main finding: a reduction of indoor air particles improved the function of small blood vessels in the fingers.

Impaired function of these tiny blood vessels is a precursor of cardiovascular disease.

Twenty-one healthy non-smoking couples aged from 60 to 75, residing near busy public roadways, comprised the study sample.

For 2 days at random, HEPA purifiers were installed in the participant's homes. Then the filter material was removed and air run through the empty purifier for another 48 hour period.

Scientists continuously evaluated microvascular function (MVF) of blood vessels in the fingers, along with size distribution and density of ambient airborne particulates.

Just two days of HEPA filter usage improved MVF readings by 8.1%.

"indoor air filtration represents a feasible means of reducing cardiovascular risk"

Dr. Steffen Loft, study co-author.

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