Another article linking arrythmias with acute rises in ambient air pollution this time using a nationwide, time-stratified, case–crossover study design in China between 2015 and 2021. Adds to the evidence in young adults using a personal PM2.5 monitor with a Holter ECG.

Using the data in this article and in the ULEZ 1year expansion report, plus the back of an imaginary cigarette packet, it suggests that the chance of developing Atrial flutter while standing on a central roadside location (or cycling along one) has been reduced by 25%, and of SVT by 20% without the side effects and cost of beta blockers!

Hourly air pollution exposure and the onset of symptomatic arrhythmia: an individual-level case–crossover study in 322 Chinese cities

CMAJ 2023 May 1;195:E601-11. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.220929

Conclusion

Acute exposure to ambient air pollution was associated with

increased risks of symptomatic arrhythmia. The risks occurred

during the first several hours after exposure but attenuated

greatly after 24 hours. The exposure–response relationships were,

in general, approximately linear without discernible thresholds

of concentrations of air pollutants, but the magnitude varied by

type of air pollutant, arrhythmia subtype, subpopulation and geo-

graphic or seasonal features. Our study adds to evidence of

adverse cardiovascular effects of air pollution, highlighting the

importance of further reducing exposure to air pollution and of

prompt protection of susceptible populations worldwide.