LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 8 -- University of Louisville issued the following news release:
University of Louisville researchers have discovered that longer periods of exposure to air pollution have measurable negative effects on the heart and overall health.
Based on analysis of data from multiple studies of heart rate variability and pollution, researchers in UofL's Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute determined that after about three hours of exposure to pollution, there is a small but significant decline in heart rate variability (HRV). HRV is a key measure of the nervous system stress response and contributes to the regulation of the heart. Lower HRV has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and cardiac events.
Cameron Stopfo...