Solar and geomagnetic activity enhance the effects of air pollutants on atrial fibrillation

Authors: Zilli Vieira CL, Link MS, Garshick E, Peralta AA, Luttmann-Gibson H, Laden F, Liu M, Gold DR, Koutrakis P

Year: 2021 Nov 13

Category: Cardiology

Journal: Europace

Institution: Europace

DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab269

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34791174/

Abstract

Overview

Intense solar and geomagnetic activities (SGA) have been identified as possible contributors to cardiac arrhythmias through their interaction with air pollution exposures. This study explores how oscillations in SGA might affect atrial fibrillation (AF) risk in individuals with specific heart conditions.

Methods

Examination of the impact of hourly fluctuations in SGA on the risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.
Assessment of three types of air pollutants: particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and ultrafine particles (PN).
Analysis includes the modulation of these effects by the solar wind proton density, total interplanetary magnetic field strength, and Kp index (a global measure of geomagnetic activity).

Findings

Periods of increased SGA activity dramatically amplified the impact of air pollutants on AF risk, particularly notable in the 0 to 24-hour window preceding an AF event. Conversely, reduced SGA was linked to much weaker or non-existent correlations with air pollutant effects on AF.

Detailed Effects:

Pollutant Exposure and Cardio Impact: Higher odds of AF associated with increased PM2.5 levels during significant solar activity, contrasting sharply with periods of low solar activity.
Risk Amplification: Markedly greater associations noted in patients experiencing multiple AF events per hour during intense SGA periods.

Conclusion

The response of air pollutants on AF is significantly modulated by SGA, with higher activity levels potentially exacerbating the risk. Understanding these interactions can help better predict AF risks and adjust patient monitoring strategies.

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