Several studies have examined the effect of particulate pollution (PM) on survival in general populations, but less is known about susceptible groups. Moreover, previous cohort studies have been cross-sectional, and subject to confounding by uncontrolled differences between cities.This is the first long-term study showing a significant association between particle exposure and adverse post-MI outcomes in persons who survived a myocardial infarction.

The study investigated whether PM was associated with progression of disease or reduced survival in a study of 196,000 persons from 21 US cities discharged alive following an acute myocardial infarction (MI), using within city between year exposure to PM.

URL: http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2007/9201/abstract.html