Effects of the Environment on Cardiac Electrophysiology, Arrhythmia, and Disease-Effects of the Environment on Cardiac Electrophysiology, Arrhythmia, and Disease

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a session on the environmental impact on cardiac electrophysiology, Dr. Faisal Saeed initially provided an overview, stepping in for Wayne Cassio from the EPA. He highlighted the significant burden of cardiovascular disease attributed to pollutants, with air pollution identified as a primary contributor, causing over 6 million deaths annually. He emphasized the importance of understanding pollutants' cumulative effects, particularly on vulnerable populations. Dr. Saeed also categorized pollutants and discussed their roles in diseases like ischemic heart disease, strokes, and arrhythmias.<br /><br />Dr. Nikki Posnack's talk focused on the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, particularly DEHP, on cardiac function. She noted that these chemicals are pervasive and linked to increased cardiovascular and mortality risks. Posnack's research demonstrated that DEHP affects membrane biology, causing arrhythmias and conduction disorders, particularly in children undergoing cardiac procedures.<br /><br />Dr. Alex Carl presented findings on how e-cigarettes, containing harmful constituents like nicotine and flavorants, affect cardiac electrophysiology. His studies showed that these substances could induce autonomic imbalance and arrhythmic events, emphasizing the role of sympathomimetic effects and chemical constituents in adverse cardiovascular outcomes.<br /><br />Lastly, Dr. Holly Shields discussed the impacts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), specifically phenanthrene, on cardiac ion channel function and arrhythmias. She demonstrated that both inhalation and environmental exposure can lead to bradycardia and increased arrhythmia risk, highlighting the need for greater consideration of PAHs' direct cardiotoxic effects alongside other pollution-related health threats. <br /><br />The session underscored the critical need for continued research into environmental pollutants' impacts on cardiovascular health, aiming for better regulatory measures and interventions.

Keywords

cardiac electrophysiology

air pollution

endocrine-disrupting chemicals

DEHP

e-cigarettes

arrhythmias

cardiovascular disease

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

autonomic imbalance

cardiotoxic effects