Poor air quality can harm the cardiovascular system, especially in the elderly, those with heart disease, or diabetes.
One of the greatest dangers of air pollution is its impact on cardiovascular health. The toxic chemicals and particles in the air can strain your heart, damage blood vessels, and even trigger heart attacks or strokes.
Air Pollution Harms the Heart
According to the European Society of Cardiology, air pollution is responsible for more than 3 million deaths each year due to ischemic heart disease and stroke, surpassing typical risk factors for heart disease such as diabetes, smoking, or obesity.
Polluted air has a significant impact on cardiovascular health. (Illustration: Freepik).
When you breathe in dirty air containing harmful chemicals and particles, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide, they can infiltrate your lungs and potentially enter your bloodstream. According to the British Heart Foundation, air pollutants can:
- Cause inflammation and damage to blood vessels, increasing plaque buildup
- Narrow arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart
- Increase the risk of blood clots
- Raise blood pressure by forcing the heart to pump harder
- Disrupt the heart’s electrical system, affecting the heart rhythm
- Place additional stress on the heart by making it work harder.
Consequently, exposure to air pollution increases the risk of serious heart problems such as heart attacks and strokes, especially for those with pre-existing heart conditions or living in polluted areas.
According to the American Heart Association, short-term exposure to air pollution can lead to risks of heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and heart failure in vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions. However, the life-threatening risks due to air pollution and heart disease significantly rise with long-term exposure.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
According to Health Shots, some individuals are more susceptible to heart disease, particularly if they are exposed to air pollution. Those at higher risk include:
- Elderly individuals, especially those living in polluted cities, are more likely to develop heart disease.
- Those who have previously suffered from heart attacks, angina, bypass surgery, angioplasty (with or without stents), strokes, arterial blockages, heart failure, or arrhythmias.
- Individuals with conditions such as diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Men over 45 and women over 55 are also at greater risk of heart disease.
- Those with a family history of heart disease or stroke, particularly if the illness occurred early.
- Individuals with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, as well as those who are overweight, sedentary, or smokers.
How to Protect Your Heart from Air Pollution
Here are some tips to minimize the impact of air pollution on cardiovascular health and create a healthier environment for yourself:
- Limit outdoor activities
- Exercise indoors
- Use air purifiers
- Keep windows closed
- Wear masks when going outside
- Stay hydrated
- Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods (berries, nuts, and leafy greens)
- Include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil, flaxseeds, and walnuts).
Countries with the Best Air Quality in the World
