What are the Cardiovascular Effects of Air Pollution?

Air pollution is one of the most prevalent concerns globally. Heavy vehicular emissions, households, and industries damage the earth’s atmosphere. They also affect people’s health. Continued blood contamination with harmful particles released into the air adversely affects the heart. They can result in many cardiovascular diseases. Prolonged exposure may also lead to death. Bad air quality in cities is directly proportional to the rise in heart disease cases.

Individuals residing near industrial areas, street intersections, congested areas, and factories are at a high risk of developing heart conditions. The condition is worse in developing countries, like India, as particulate matter is ten times higher than in developed regions.

Air pollution impacts the person’s overall health, primarily the heart. Soot, smog, and greenhouse gases are the most extensive air pollution. People may develop a heart condition when inhaling harmful gases, such as sulphur oxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen oxides are the worst. They surge the death rate by almost 4 times.

Polluted air includes soil particles, chemicals, allergens, pollens, and smoke. When we breathe, these particles enter the body. Over time, they penetrate the lungs and mix into the blood. These particles dismiss the alveolar barrier and affect the endothelial cells. The pollutants sometimes destroy these cells or hamper the endocrine supply. They may result in coronary artery diseases and other risk factors linked to heart disease. Long and short-term exposure to air pollution may have more dramatic consequences for individuals already suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Impact of Air Pollution

91 per cent of people live in areas where the AQI limit exceeds the limit set by WHO. The four top risk factors for disability are

• Air pollution
• High blood glucose
• Smoking
• Uncontrolled blood pressure.

They also add to the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which kill every 1 in 3 deaths globally.

Broadly, air pollution as particulate matter falls under three categories based on particle diameter:

1. Ultra-fine particles: Lower than 0.1μm
2. Fine particles: Lower than 2.5μm but over 0.1μm
3. Coarse particles: Lower than 10μm but over 2.5μm.

Studies by the top heart failure cardiologists suggest that fine particulate matter has the most significant role in causing cardiovascular disability and mortality.

How does Air Pollution Aggravate the Risk of Death and Disability?

Based on data analysis from 204 countries between 1990 and 2019, researchers studied the impact of particulate matter on ischemic heart disease and stroke. They found the following:

1. Increased Mortality: Deaths rose from 2.6 million to 3.5 million, with a 43% increase in men and 28.2% in women.
2. Disability Trends: DALYs grew by 31%, while YLLs dropped by 36.7%.
3. Economic Impact: Richer areas had fewer premature deaths but more disability, whereas poor areas experienced the reverse.
4. Regional Declines: Better air quality and health care in certain parts of Europe led to lower deaths and disabilities.

So, cardiologists in Hyderabad conclude air pollution, especially particulate matter, remains a leading source of cardiovascular risks.

DAL: Disability-adjusted life years

YLLs: Years lost to premature deaths

Why Does Air Pollution Enhance Heart Disease Risk?

Fine and ultrafine particles from air pollution penetrate the lungs. These may then seep into the bloodstream and induce substances harmful to it. Further, it may lead to increased oxidative stress and inflammation. This damages the heart and elevates the risk of heart disease.

Different Air Pollution Types Cause Different Health Outcomes

Some of the best cardiologist in India investigated the health impact of outdoor and indoor air pollution. Although outdoor pollution tends to cause more adverse health consequences, indoor pollution, primarily using biomass fuels for cooking without proper ventilation, cannot be ignored. Deaths from indoor pollution have declined worldwide. However, they continue to increase in sub-Saharan Africa because of heavy reliance on solid fuels.

Air pollution and health effects

Most major health problems originate due to air pollution. These include

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Arrhythmias
• Heart failure
• Blood clotting within blood vessels

What Can Be Done

Live Responsibly

• Cut down on fossil fuel usage
• Use renewable energy resources
• Switch to public transportation

Switch off the lights and fans when not in use

Eat Wisely

• Eat nutritious meals
• Consume fruits and vegetables
• Include whole grains that boost immunity
• Drink enough water.

Exercise Smartly

To enhance blood circulation and detoxify the body:

• Engage in light to moderate exercises
• Avoid exercising in polluted areas.
• Consider indoor workouts if the air quality outside is terrible.
• Use masks when needed on long walks.

Act proactively

• Monitor local air pollution levels regularly.
• Support the government’s efforts to maintain quality air.
• Follow emission standards for reduced health risks.

Preventive Measures

Patients who already have cardiovascular diseases should exercise caution to prevent their health from deteriorating further:

1. Stop exercising immediately when experiencing chest pain or pressure.
2. Learn stress management techniques to avoid stressing the heart.
3. Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
4. Keep a healthy body weight by monitoring your body mass index.
5. Go for emergency medical care.
6. Consult a doctor regularly for follow-up checkups to assess heart health.

If air pollution significantly affects your well-being, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Globally, over three million deaths annually are linked to air pollution, accounting for nearly one-fifth of fatalities from cardiovascular diseases. Without efforts to reduce environmental pollution, its harmful effects will persist.

Conclusion

Air pollution contributes to cardiovascular disease by killing millions worldwide through increased mortality, disability, and health risks. The measures for preventing the consequences include reduced emissions, a healthy lifestyle, and proactive medical care. The burden of air pollution-related diseases will continue to rise unless the collective action to improve the quality of air increases.

Dr Raghu is a best cardiologist in Hyderabad. He is committed to improving cardiovascular health through his expertise and patient-centric care. His commitment to heart disease inspires trust and hope among those affected by these conditions.