Air Pollution: A Hidden Heart Attack Risk
Air pollution is becoming a serious threat to heart health, even among individuals who consider themselves healthy. Dr. Himanshu Gupta, a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital in Jaipur, emphasizes that pollutants like PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide can enter our bloodstream, causing inflammation and oxidative stress that may lead to heart attacks.
Traditionally, heart attacks have been linked to lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise. However, according to Dr. Gupta, air pollution is emerging as an independent risk factor that affects even those without common risk factors. “Many patients are surprised when they hear this,” he states. “They eat well, exercise regularly, and don’t smoke, yet they still experience cardiac events.”
One of the critical issues with air pollution is that it acts silently. People do not feel its effects immediately, unlike chest pain or breathlessness. However, it sets off a chain reaction inside the body that can destabilise plaques in blood vessels or increase clotting tendencies. This is leading to reports of heart attacks in younger adults who previously thought they were healthy.
While it may be impossible to completely avoid exposure to air pollution, there are steps we can take to limit its effects on heart health. Monitoring the daily air quality index can help individuals plan outdoor activities more wisely. On high-pollution days, limiting outdoor exposure and wearing protective masks like N95 or KN95 can significantly reduce harmful particle inhalation.
Improving indoor air quality is equally crucial. Using air purifiers at home can help reduce indoor pollution, especially for those living near busy roads or industrial areas. Furthermore, a heart-healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can counteract oxidative stress.
Regular physical activity remains vital, but it should be done indoors on days when air quality is poor. Routine health check-ups are essential for those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease. Early detection allows for timely medical intervention, whether through medication or procedures like angiography.
The connection between air pollution and heart attacks highlights that cardiovascular health is influenced not only by personal choices but also by our environment. “This is no longer just a concern for people with known heart disease,” Dr. Gupta warns. “Air pollution is a public health issue that affects everyone.” As polluted air becomes part of daily life, awareness and protective measures are our best defense, reminding us to safeguard our hearts one breath at a time.
