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Efeito da poluição atmosférica na variabilidade da frequência cardíaca e da função pulmonar em escolares: estudo transversal, Cubatão, 2017

Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To assess the effect of air pollution on heart rate variability and pulmonary function in schoolchildren. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of schoolchildren living in a highly polluted area in Cubatão, São Paulo. Resting heart rate variability data were collected through cardiac monitoring, based on SDNN (standard deviation of NN intervals), rMSSD (root mean square of successive differences between NN intervals), and HFnu (high-frequency component in normalized units, an indicator of autonomic parasympathetic activity). In order to assess pulmonary function, spirometry was performed based on FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second) and FEF25%-75% (forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity). Pollutant concentration levels were provided by the São Paulo State Environment Company. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate associations between pollutant levels and physiological parameters, using Stata software version 12.0. Results: Seventy-seven schoolchildren were assessed. Increased sulfur dioxide was associated with a reduction in HFnu: -0.68 (95% confidence interval - 95%CI -1.27; -0.11) in the daily average, -0.67 (95%CI -1.26; -0.07) over two days, and -1.29 (95%CI -2.21; -0.38) over three days. Ozone was also associated with a -0.32 (95%CI -0.62; -0.02) reduction in HFnu. Regarding pulmonary function, increased nitrogen dioxide was associated with a 0.23% reduction in FEV1 and a 0.30% reduction in FEF25%-75%. Conclusion: Schoolchildren exposed to air pollution showed reduced heart rate variability and pulmonary function.
DOI: 10.1590/s2237-96222026v35e20250368.en
Language: English
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7169755240
FWCI: 5.315
Cites: 22
Cited by: 2
Related to: 10