Reducing AIR Pollution Exposure to Lower Blood PRESSURE Among New York City Public Housing Residents

Reducing AIR Pollution Exposure to Lower Blood PRESSURE Among New York City Public Housing Residents

Fine particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) air pollution is the fifth leading risk factor for global mortality, with the largest portion of deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). While several mechanisms are responsible, PM2.5-induced elevations in blood pressure (BP) may be relevant. Indoor portable air cleaners (PACs) are a novel approach to reduce exposure to PM2.5 and potentially lower blood pressure. The current study is being conducted to provide evidence that PACs reduce PM2.5 exposure and lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) in key patient populations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• self-reported nonsmokers living in a nonsmoking household.
• adults living with hypertension (HTN) from NYC public housing.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of major known arrhythmias (e.g. atrial flutter or fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia).
• Screening systolic BP ≥160 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥100 mm Hg (i.e. severe hypertension by the 2017 ACC/AHA BP guideline).
• A change in drug regimen in the prior 2 weeks or a planned change in drug regimen during the first 30 days for those taking antihypertensive medication.
• Current smoking or living with an active smoker who smokes indoors
• Planned travel out of NYC for ≥2 weeks in next 6 months
• Incarcerated
• Pregnant
• Unable/unwilling to consent
• Established cardiovascular disease
• End-stage renal disease (chronic kidney disease stage IV or on dialysis)
• Barrier to technology use (e.g., visual or hearing impairment)
• Lung disease requiring oxygen
• Cancer receiving treatment