Using Indoor Air Filtration to Slow Atherothrombosis Progression in Adults With Ischemic Heart Disease History

This study investigates whether installing high-efficiency air purifiers (HEPA filters) inside people's homes can slow the progression of heart disease. Air pollution — even the kind that drifts indoors — is increasingly linked to inflammation and arterial damage. Researchers are targeting older adults in Los Angeles County who already have ischemic heart disease (reduced blood flow to the heart) to see if cleaner indoor air measurably reduces the buildup of dangerous plaques in the arteries. Eligible participants are adults aged 65–84 who live in Los Angeles County, weigh at least 110 pounds, have not smoked for at least a year, and have a stable history of ischemic heart disease. People with dementia, active cancer treatment, or who already have HEPA filters in their homes are excluded. Participants must plan to remain in their current home for at least two years. Enrolled participants will have HEPA air purifiers and air quality monitors installed in their homes. Researchers will periodically collect blood samples and health measurements to track cardiovascular biomarkers over time. This study matters because heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and if simply improving the air quality inside people's homes can meaningfully slow disease progression, it offers a low-burden, scalable prevention strategy.