Prolonged Exposure to Air Pollution Increases Risk of Heart Attack: Study

According to researchers, long-term exposure to air pollution can cause a sudden, temporary squeezing of the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. Air pollution can cause serious health problems, as well as fatal heart attacks and strokes.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, increased exposure to toxic air can cause blood vessel narrowing in people who already have heart conditions (JACC).

The study included 287 patients with Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (NOCAD). At a hospital in Rome, the patients underwent coronary angiography and were given a drug to see if their coronary arteries were hyperresponsive.

The researchers discovered that 176 (61%) of NOCAD patients had a positive provocation test. According to the study, patients who had a positive provocation test were exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 than patients who had a negative provocation test. Positively provoked patients were exposed to higher levels of PM 2.4 and PM 10.

"Our study shows for the first time an association between long-term air pollution and the occurrence of coronary vasomotor disorders (constriction or dilation of the heart's blood vessels), suggesting a possible role for pollutants in determining myocardial ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart muscles) in patients with NOCAD," according to the JACC study.

According to the World Health Organization, outdoor air pollution causes an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths each year. Dirty air is responsible for nearly one-fifth of all cardiovascular disease deaths, ranking fourth only to high blood pressure, tobacco use, and poor diet.

Take these Measures to Reduce Pollution:

• Choose a cleaner commute by using public transportation to work.

• Reduce or eliminate the use of fireplaces and wood stoves.

• Keep leaves, trash, and other materials from being burned.

• Use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment should be avoided.

• When possible, use environmentally friendly paints and cleaning products.