The air we breathe is essential for our survival, but what if it's silently harming our health? Recently, Delhi topped the Swiss group IQAir's list of most polluted cities in the world. What's more concerning is that Lahore came in second, and had an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 198, which is not even 50% of Delhi's 547.
One of the most alarming associations between air pollution and health is its connection to heart attacks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States, there is a direct link between air pollution and plaque buildup, which puts a person at direct risk of heart attack.
Air Pollution Causes Heart Attack
Talking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Dr Ranjan Kachru Additional Director in Cardiology Fortis Flt Lt Rajan Dhall Hospital, New Delhi, said, "Air pollution can be detrimental for people with heart problems and can cause spasms in the arteries, making the heart more prone to rupture, leading to a heart attack.
Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between air pollution and heart attacks. A significant study published in The Lancet in 2019 found that even short-term exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 increased the risk of heart attacks. Here's how it happens:
- Inflammation: Air pollutants can trigger an inflammatory response in the body. This inflammation can affect the arteries, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup.
- Oxidative Stress: Pollutants like PM2.5 and NO2 can lead to oxidative stress, which damages the cells in blood vessel walls, potentially increasing the risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries).
- Blood Pressure: Air pollution can raise blood pressure, increasing the workload on the heart. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Protecting Yourself From Air Pollution
A study published in Circulation in 2020 revealed that even modest reductions in air pollution levels could lead to a significant decrease in heart attacks, highlighting the importance of air quality management.
However, since that is a long road to go, Dr Kachru suggested, “Meanwhile, it is essential that you take precautions and watch out for symptoms like constricting pain in the centre of the chest radiating to the left side of the body, jaw discomfort and uneasiness.”
While efforts to improve air quality on a larger scale are crucial, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution:
- Stay informed about local air quality levels.
- On days with poor air quality, limit outdoor activities.
- Consider using air purifiers in your home to reduce indoor air pollution.
- Avoid heavy traffic areas and use public transportation, carpooling, or cycling to reduce personal emissions.
Air pollution is a silent but deadly threat to our heart health. The evidence linking air pollution to heart attacks is strong, and it's crucial to take steps to protect ourselves and advocate for cleaner air in our communities. By raising awareness about this issue and supporting policies that reduce air pollution, we can work towards a healthier and safer future for our hearts and our planet.
