Abstract 15149: Short-term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution Preferentially Increases the Risk of ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Events

Introduction: Air pollution is associated with greater cardiovascular event risk, but which types of events and the specific at-risk individuals remain unknown. Hypothesis: Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with greater risk of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), including ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina (USA). Methods: ACS events treated at Intermountain Healthcare hospitals in Utah’s urban Wasatch Front region between September 10, 1993 and May 15, 2014 were included if the patient resided in that area (N=16,314). A time-stratified case-crossover design was performed matching the PM2.5 exposure at the time of event with periods when the event did not occur (referent), for STEMI, NSTEMI, and USA. Patients served as their own controls. Odds ratios (OR) were determined for exposure threshold versus linear, non-threshold models. Results: In STEMI, NSTEMI, and USA patients, age averaged 62, 64, and...