Report: Air Pollution Linked To Fatal Heart Attacks

There’s no question living in a city or highly-polluted area increases your risk of illness, but a new study shows it might not be exactly the way you think.

 

The stress, strain and smog that come with city life might seem like logical factors in increasing the risk of heart attacks, but Swedish researchers report it’s not so much the likelihood of a heart attack, but the probability of fatal cardiac arrest.

 

The study showed no association between people’s exposure to various pollutants over a 30-year period and overall heart attack risk, but such exposure and deadly attacks was a much different story.

 

Only in instances where people lived in “hot spots” with exceptionally dirty air was there a 23 percent increased risk of heart attack, and a 40 percent increased risk of fatal heart attack.

 

Pollution exposure can contribute to an individual’s risk by causing chronic inflammation, speeding the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the coronary arteries) and altering heart function.

 

To arrive at these results, the study looked over information on pollution exposure as it applied to 1,397 men and women living in Stockholm that suffered heart attacks, and 1,870 healthy bodies.

 

Subjects were tested for carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide and the information was linked with each individuals’ address to historical data on emissions and atmospheric dispersion of the pollutants.

 

The bottom line was no link between exposure and heart attack risk, except in the cases where the heart attacks were fatal. This was especially the case for older individuals that died outside the hospital.

 

This finding “implies that sudden death might be of special importance in relation to long-term air pollution exposure,” the study concludes.

 

 


Here are some tips on pollution reduction and how to minimize your risk factors, courtesy of Health Canada:

To reduce your exposure to smog and its potential health effects:

  • Check the Air Quality index in your community, especially during “smog season” from April to September. Tailor your activities accordingly.
  • Avoid or reduce strenuous outdoor activities when smog levels are high, especially during the afternoon when ground-level ozone reaches its peak. Choose indoor activities instead.
  • Avoid or reduce exercising near areas of heavy traffic, especially during rush hour.
  • If you have a heart or lung condition, talk to your health care professional about additional ways to protect your health when smog levels are high.

To help reduce the overall levels of smog in the air:

  • When possible, use public transportation instead of your car. You could also walk or ride your bicycle, as long as smog levels are not too high.
  • Look for alternatives to gas-powered machines and vehicles. Try a rowboat or sailboat instead of a motorboat or a push-type lawnmower instead of one that runs on gasoline.
  • Consider fuel efficiency when you buy a vehicle. Keep all vehicles well maintained.
  • Reduce energy use in your home. Learn more about alternative energy resources.
  • Do not burn leaves, branches or other yard wastes.
  • Consider joining a citizens’ committee to advocate for cleaner air in your community.
  • Spend time talking with your children about the importance of a sustainable lifestyle.

Since smog is a mixture of air pollutants, its impact on your health will depend on a number of things, including:

  • The levels and types of pollutants in the air
  • Your age and general state of health
  • The influence of weather
  • How long you are exposed
  • Where you live

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