HEPA Filter, senior citezen care

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Danish researchers found using HEPA filters for two days significantly improved a key measure of cardiovascular health among healthy, non-smoking elderly.

Dr. Steffen Loft of the Institute of Public Health in Copenhagen and a team of researchers measured microvascular function and ambient airborne particles in the homes of 21 non-smoking couples ages 60 to 75 who lived close to heavily traveled roads.

Each couple used air purifiers for two 48-hour periods. During one period, the purifier was equipped with a HEPA filter, and during the other, it ran without it -- so each individual served as his or her own control, Loft said. The size distribution and number concentration of indoor air particles in each home were continuously monitored.

"Reduction of particle exposure by filtration of recirculated air for only 48 hours improved the microvascular function in healthy elderly citizens," Loft said in a statement. "This suggests that indoor air filtration represents a feasible means of reducing cardiovascular risk."

The study was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

HEPA filters may help cardiac health