Short-term effects of ambient particulates and gaseous pollutants on the incidence of transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke: a case- crossover study

Environmental Health: October 15, 2012

While several studies have investigated the effects of short-term air pollution on cardiovascular disease, less is known about its effects on cerebrovascular disease, including stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). The aim of the study was to assess the effects of short-term variation in air pollutants on the onset of TIA and minor stroke.

Methods

We performed secondary analyses of data collected prospectively in the North West of England in a multi-centre study (NORTHSTAR) of patients with recent TIA or minor stroke. A case – crossover study was conducted to determine the association between occurrence of TIA and the concentration of ambient PM10 or gaseous pollutants. Read more