Unconventional Natural Gas Development and Hospitalization for Heart Failure in Pennsylvania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Growing literature linking unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) to adverse health has implicated air pollution and stress pathways. Persons with heart failure (HF) are susceptible to these stressors.

Objectives

This study sought to evaluate associations between UNGD activity and hospitalization among HF patients, stratified by both ejection fraction (EF) status (reduced [HFrEF], preserved [HFpEF], not classifiable) and HF severity.

Methods

We evaluated the odds of hospitalization among patients with HF seen at Geisinger from 2008 to 2015 using electronic health records. We assigned metrics of UNGD activity by phase (pad preparation, drilling, stimulation, and production) 30 days before hospitalization or a frequency-matched control selection date.

SUBMITTER: McAlexander TP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7735256 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature