Grant: Operating Grant

Heart attacks affect many Canadians. Scientists have shown that air pollution may trigger heart attacks. Also, some Canadians may be more susceptible to developing a heart attack when exposed to high levels of air pollution. We plan to study whether air pollution increases the risk of being diagnosed with a heart attack. Additionally, we will explore whether factors such as age, gender, smoking, and other health conditions like diabetes increase the susceptibility to heart attacks after exposure to air pollutants. By doing this we hope to identify those individuals who are at highest risk for heart attack after being exposed to higher levels of air pollution. Air pollution exposure is modifiable risk factor and thus, our efforts are geared towards the prevention of heart attacks. Health Canada's Air Quality Health Index provides real-time air pollution data that protects Canadians from short-term elevations of air pollutants. When air pollution in a community rises to harmful levels, the Air Quality Health Index warns Canadians to avoid exposure. Our findings may improve the Air Quality Health Index. Characterizing the relationship between air pollution and the development of heart attacks may further motivate policy makers to reduce emissions and hence potentially prevent cardiovascular diseases - a far more effective strategy then treating people after they get sick.