Heart failures and other hearth ailments are constantly on the rise in recent years. One major reason for this is rising pollution levels around us. As the Air Quality Index (AQI) in most of our cities is getting worse by the day, pollutants in the air act as triggers for multiple diseases, including those related to the skin, eyes as well as heart.
Air pollution goes beyond respiratory issues—it poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health. Protecting the heart from the effects of pollution requires reducing exposure, promoting cleaner air initiatives, and increasing public awareness about the hidden dangers to heart health.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) found in polluted air enters the bloodstream, leading to inflammation in the arteries, say doctors. This inflammation can result in blood clots, significantly raising the risk of heart attacks.
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Danger for pre-existing heart conditions
Those having a history of high blood pressure or hardened arteries, should exercise caution as exposure to polluted air can make problems worse. The strain on the heart increases, making it difficult to pump blood efficiently, which can lead to serious complications like cardiac arrest.
Inflammation of blood vessles
Pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) cause oxidative stress, which triggers inflammation in the blood vessels. This inflammation leads to higher blood pressure and speeds up the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can increase the risk of strokes and other heart-related events.
Heart rate fluctuations
Exposure to polluted air can affect the autonomic nervous system responsible for controlling the heart rate. This results in reduced heart rate variability – a sign of poor heart health, further increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular problems.
Children and elderly more vulnerable
Both children and elderly adults are sensitive to changes in air quality, making them more vulnerable to the dangers of pollution including heart problems and risk of heart failure.
