Air Purification for Cardiovascular Health in Seniors

(RAPIDS2-Ypsi Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Robert Brook, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Smoking, Lung disease, Cancer, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

52 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

You don't have to stop taking your current medications, but your therapy must be stable for the month before the trial and remain unchanged during the study.

What data supports the idea that Air Purification for Cardiovascular Health in Seniors is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that using air purifiers can significantly reduce indoor air pollution, which is linked to better cardiovascular health in seniors. For example, one study found that high-efficiency air filters reduced indoor air pollution by 60%, leading to a 53% reduction in personal exposure to harmful particles. Another study showed that air purifiers improved heart health indicators, like baroreflex sensitivity, in patients with heart disease. Additionally, air filtration was associated with decreased inflammation markers in seniors, suggesting potential health benefits. Overall, these studies suggest that air purification can be an effective treatment for improving cardiovascular health in seniors. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for air purification treatments in seniors?

The studies reviewed indicate that air purification treatments, such as HEPA filters and portable air filtration systems, are generally safe for seniors. These interventions have been shown to reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations and improve certain cardiovascular and respiratory health markers without significant adverse effects. However, improvements in specific health outcomes like lung function and blood pressure were not consistently observed across all studies. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is using air purifiers a promising treatment for improving heart health in seniors?

Yes, using air purifiers is a promising treatment for improving heart health in seniors. Studies show that air purifiers can reduce harmful particles in the air, which helps improve heart and lung health. This can lead to better circulation and lower blood pressure, making air purifiers a good option for seniors looking to improve their cardiovascular health. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is an established risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity.

Research Team

Robert Brook, MD

Principal Investigator

Wayne State University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for seniors aged 60 or older living in Carpenter Place Apartments who don't smoke. Participants should not have had a cardiovascular event recently, be exposed to secondhand smoke daily, or have unstable heart conditions. They must also commit to not traveling overnight during the study and be on stable medication if they're being treated for high blood pressure, diabetes, or other heart issues.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 60 years old or older.

Residing in Carpenter Place Apartments

You do not smoke cigarettes or use any tobacco products.

Exclusion Criteria

You are currently smoking cigarettes.

You are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke on a daily basis.

I am currently receiving treatment or chemotherapy for my cancer.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Acute Treatment

Participants receive air filtration treatment to reduce PM2.5 exposure for acute health evaluation

4 days

Long-term Treatment

Participants continue air filtration treatment for long-term health evaluation

4 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Air Filtration with Air Purifier
• Sham

Trial Overview The study tests whether using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can reduce health problems related to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in seniors with cardiometabolic syndrome compared to a sham (fake) device.

Participant Groups

Group I: air filtration with hepa filter Active Control 1 Intervention

air purifier used is the Holmes HAP8650B-NU-1 with the hepa filter inserted.

Group II: air filtration with hepa filter removed Placebo Group 1 Intervention

sham comparator uses the Holmes HAP8650B-NU-1 air purifier to be operated with the filter removed.

Air Filtration with Air Purifier is already approved in United States, Canada, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Portable Air Filtration Systems for:

• Reducing particulate matter exposure for cardiovascular health benefits

Approved in Canada as Air Purifiers for:

• Improving indoor air quality for cardiovascular health

Approved in European Union as HEPA Filters for:

• Reducing fine particulate matter exposure for cardiovascular health benefits

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Michigan State University

Collaborator

Trials

202

Recruited

687,000+

National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)

Collaborator

Trials

623

Recruited

10,400,000+

Findings from Research

The RAPIDS study demonstrated that high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters significantly reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations by 60% and personal PM2.5 exposures by 53% among senior citizens in Detroit, indicating their effectiveness in improving air quality and potentially cardiovascular health.

Low-efficiency (HEPA-type) filters also provided benefits, reducing indoor PM2.5 concentrations by 52% and personal exposures by 31%, suggesting that even less efficient filters can contribute to lowering harmful air pollution levels indoors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduction of personal PM2.5 exposure via indoor air filtration systems in Detroit: an intervention study. Maestas, MM., Brook, RD., Ziemba, RA., et al.[2021]

A study involving 24 healthy older adults showed that using high-efficiency air purifiers for just 48 hours significantly reduced inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers, indicating improved circulatory health.

The findings suggest that indoor air filtration can be an effective public health measure to enhance cardiopulmonary health in the elderly, despite no significant changes in oxidative stress or lung function biomarkers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reducing particulates in indoor air can improve the circulation and cardiorespiratory health of old people: A randomized, double-blind crossover trial of air filtration. Guo, M., Du, C., Li, B., et al.[2021]

The study involving 40 older adults in Detroit demonstrated that using portable air filtration systems significantly reduced personal exposure to PM2.5 air pollution, with levels dropping from an average of 15.5 μg/m3 to 7.4 μg/m3 with high-efficiency filtration.

Short-term use of these air filtration systems also led to a notable decrease in systolic blood pressure by an average of 3.2 mm Hg, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits for older adults exposed to urban air pollution.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Portable Air Filtration Systems on Personal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Blood Pressure Among Residents in a Low-Income Senior Facility: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Morishita, M., Adar, SD., D'Souza, J., et al.[2019]

In a study involving 38 patients with coronary artery disease, a two-week active air filtration intervention reduced indoor PM2.5 levels by 33.9%, which is linked to improved cardiovascular health.

The active air filtration was associated with enhanced baroreflex sensitivity and a decrease in oxidative stress markers, suggesting that air purifiers could help lower the risk of cardiovascular events in these patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Positive Effect of Air Purifier Intervention on Baroreflex Sensitivity and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized Crossover Intervention Trial. Eom, SY., Kim, A., Lee, JH., et al.[2022]

The Beijing Indoor Air Purifier Study (BIAPSY) demonstrated that active air filtration significantly reduced indoor air pollutants, including PM2.5 and black carbon, improving air quality in homes over a two-week period.

Despite the improvements in air quality, the study found no significant changes in lung function, blood pressure, or heart rate variability among participants, indicating that while air filtration is effective for reducing pollutants, it may not lead to immediate cardio-respiratory health benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cardiorespiratory responses of air filtration: A randomized crossover intervention trial in seniors living in Beijing: Beijing Indoor Air Purifier StudY, BIAPSY. Shao, D., Du, Y., Liu, S., et al.[2019]

In a pilot study involving 20 elderly cardiac patients, the use of active portable air cleaners (PACs) significantly reduced personal PM2.5 exposure by 43.8% compared to sham devices, indicating their effectiveness in improving air quality for at-risk individuals.

The findings suggest that using inexpensive in-home PACs could lead to substantial long-term health benefits for cardiac patients by potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, even in areas with generally good air quality.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduced Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution Exposures Using In-Home Portable Air Cleaners: PILOT RESULTS OF THE CARDIAC REHABILITATION AIR FILTER TRIAL (CRAFT). Bard, RL., Rubenfire, M., Fink, S., et al.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduction of personal PM2.5 exposure via indoor air filtration systems in Detroit: an intervention study. [2021]

2. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reducing particulates in indoor air can improve the circulation and cardiorespiratory health of old people: A randomized, double-blind crossover trial of air filtration. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Portable Air Filtration Systems on Personal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Blood Pressure Among Residents in a Low-Income Senior Facility: A Randomized Clinical Trial. [2019]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Positive Effect of Air Purifier Intervention on Baroreflex Sensitivity and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized Crossover Intervention Trial. [2022]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cardiorespiratory responses of air filtration: A randomized crossover intervention trial in seniors living in Beijing: Beijing Indoor Air Purifier StudY, BIAPSY. [2019]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduced Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution Exposures Using In-Home Portable Air Cleaners: PILOT RESULTS OF THE CARDIAC REHABILITATION AIR FILTER TRIAL (CRAFT). [2021]