Air Pollution: Heart Disease's Invisible, Deadly Link

Air pollution has been linked to heart disease, with tiny pollution particles in the air contributing to heart problems. Sources of pollution include traffic, factories, power generation, wildfires and cooking with a wood stove. Indoor sources of pollution include smoking, which is a danger to both the smoker and those nearby. Short-term exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias and heart failure in susceptible people, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Long-term exposure to air pollution is also a cardiovascular disease risk factor that should be taken seriously, as it can aid the development and progression of atherosclerosis, a plaque that builds up in the artery walls and causes heart disease.

Long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of death from heart disease

The risk of death is greater from long-term exposure. Current science suggests air pollution aids the development and progression of atherosclerosis, plaque that builds up in the artery walls and causes heart disease. MESA Air provides evidence that long-term exposure to air pollution is a cardiovascular disease risk factor that should be taken seriously. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring air quality to protect heart health.

In addition to linking air pollution and atherosclerosis, the study also expanded the array of clinical tools such as CT scans used to assess cardiovascular impacts—providing new and important information to inform regulation, public health, and clinical disease management.

Short-term exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias and heart failure in susceptible people

Medical evidence increasingly links air pollution and heart disease. For example, the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Air Pollution Study (MESA Air) provides evidence that long-term exposure to air pollution is a cardiovascular disease risk factor. This study also expanded the array of clinical tools such as CT scans used to assess cardiovascular impacts, providing new and important information to inform regulation, public health, and clinical disease management.

The MESA Air study also found that air pollution accelerates the process of atherosclerosis, which is plaque that builds up in the artery walls and causes heart disease. The risk of death is greater from long-term exposure to air pollution, but short-term exposure can also be dangerous for susceptible people.

To protect your heart health, it is important to monitor air quality in your area. The EPA's Air Quality Index is available on the AirNow.gov web page.

Air pollution is linked to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which causes heart disease

Medical evidence suggests that air pollution, particularly long-term exposure to it, is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Whether in a city with high levels of smog or a less populated area, tiny pollution particles in the air can have detrimental effects on heart health. These particles can come from a range of sources, including traffic, factories, power generation, wildfires, and even cooking with a wood stove. One of the most common indoor sources is smoking, which poses a danger to both the smoker and those nearby.

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Air Pollution Study (MESA Air) provides strong evidence that air pollution accelerates atherosclerosis. The study's extensive length, diverse participant pool, definitive scope, and rigorous data collection contribute to its robustness. By utilising tools like CT scans, MESA Air has expanded the clinical understanding of the cardiovascular impacts of air pollution, informing regulation, public health, and disease management.

Additionally, short-term exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias, and heart failure in susceptible individuals, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions. As a result, monitoring air quality and taking action to reduce air pollution are crucial steps in protecting heart health.

Air pollution can come from traffic, factories, power generation, wildfires or even cooking with a wood stove

Air pollution can come from a variety of sources, including traffic, factories, power generation, wildfires or even cooking with a wood stove. These sources release solid and liquid particles and certain gases into the air, which can have harmful effects on the heart.

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is a significant contributor to air pollution and includes ground-level ozone, various forms of carbon, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and fine particulate matter. These pollutants are released from car and truck exhaust, as well as industrial processes such as oil and gas development. Factories and power plants also emit pollutants, including ozone, which is created when emissions from combusting fossil fuels react with sunlight.

Wildfires, which are often caused by people, release smoke, ash, and gases into the air. Summertime wildfires can reduce visibility and increase smog levels, leading to negative biological effects. Even cooking with a wood stove can contribute to indoor air pollution, which can be dangerous for both the person cooking and those nearby.

The tiny pollution particles released from these sources can have big impacts on heart health. Short-term exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias, and heart failure in susceptible individuals, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Long-term exposure to air pollution is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as it aids the development and progression of atherosclerosis, a plaque that builds up in the artery walls and causes heart disease.

One of the most common indoor sources of air pollution is smoking

While many factors contribute to heart disease, including your genes, growing medical evidence links air pollution to heart disease. Whether you live in a city or a less populated place, tiny pollution particles in the air can lead to big problems for your heart. Pollution can come from traffic, factories, power generation, wildfires or even cooking with a wood stove.

In addition to tobacco smoke, indoor air pollution can also come from the burning of solid fuels, noxious gases from cooking and heating, and environmental tobacco smoke. These sources of pollution are particularly harmful in poorly ventilated dwellings, where indoor smoke can have levels of fine particles 100 times higher than acceptable. Exposure is especially high among women and children, who spend the most time near the domestic hearth.

Short-term exposure to air pollution, including indoor air pollution from smoking, can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias and heart failure in susceptible people, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Long-term exposure to air pollution is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can aid the development and progression of atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up in the artery walls that causes heart disease.

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