<P> Diesel exhaust (DE) is a major contributor to combustion - derived particulate matter air pollution . In several human experimental studies, using a well - validated exposure chamber setup, DE has been linked to acute vascular dysfunction and increased thrombus formation . </P> <P> The mechanisms linking air pollution to increased cardiovascular mortality are uncertain, but probably include pulmonary and systemic inflammation . </P> <P> A 2007 review of evidence found ambient air pollution exposure is a risk factor correlating with increased total mortality from cardiovascular events (range: 12% to 14% per 10 microg / m increase). </P> <P> Air pollution is also emerging as a risk factor for stroke, particularly in developing countries where pollutant levels are highest . A 2007 study found that in women, air pollution is not associated with hemorrhagic but with ischemic stroke . Air pollution was also found to be associated with increased incidence and mortality from coronary stroke in a cohort study in 2011 . Associations are believed to be causal and effects may be mediated by vasoconstriction, low - grade inflammation and atherosclerosis Other mechanisms such as autonomic nervous system imbalance have also been suggested . </P>

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