Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the interactions between intense solar and geomagnetic activity (SGA) and exposure to common air pollutants, assessing their combined impact on atrial fibrillation (AF) risks.

Aims

To determine the modulation of AF risk in correlation with SGA fluctuations and exposure rates to various air pollutants in patients with specific cardiac devices.

Methods

• Exploration of how oscillations in SGA impact the effect of hourly exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, black carbon, and ultrafine particles.
• Assessment methods included analysis of solar wind proton density, total interplanetary magnetic field strength, and Kp index for geomagnetic activity.

Findings

In instances of increased SGA, the correlation between air pollution and AF was significantly enhanced. The odds ratios adjusted accordingly, showing increased risk measurements during heightened SGA intervals compared to periods of reduced SGA.

Conclusion

There is a significant enhancement of air pollutants' effects on atrial fibrillation risk within 24 hours before AF events during periods of increased SGA. This correlation could be pivotal in understanding variations in AF risk related to environmental factors.