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Heart Disease and Air Pollution
Heart disease and air pollution are increasingly linked around the world. Heart disease is a problem in and of itself and air pollution makes it worse. Air pollution is impacting people with heart disease as well as causing various respiratory and health problems.
Exercise is a common recommendation for people with heart disease. The catch is that if you live in an area with high air pollution, outdoor exercise isn't a good idea, according to many studies. Air pollution can be a big issue in areas around the world, from big cities to small towns. Air pollution has an impact on your lungs and the environment, but it may cause other issues as well. One particular study suggests patients with heart disease should refrain from exercising outdoors, especially during times of high concentration air pollutants.
The burning question, if you'll excuse my pun, is why. A European research study found the particulates in diesel exhaust reduces an anti-clotting substance found in blood which causes a significant impact on oxygen levels and blood flow to the heart. This restricts the blood and oxygen supply to both the heart and body, especially during exercise. Any of these effects can cause a heart attack, a possibly fatal event.
The combination of heart disease (which creates a stressed body system) and damage to the body from air pollution makes it especially important to find ways of getting your exercise without exposing yourself to more air pollution. Indoor exercise is the best solution, and in some cases you may have to avoid exercising at all during times of high pollution. Maintaining your health -- blood vessels and circulatory system -- is essential to preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Another research study examined the heart during exercise found the heart was under greater strain when exercising on high air pollution days. Narrowing veins (the vessels that lead to the heart) reduces oxygen and blood supplies to the heart at a time it needs more. This causes strain which can lead to heart damage, a heart attack, or even death, simply because it is not working as efficiently as it should.
One surprise is that women's hearts are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution, because their blood vessels are smaller. Even though men are thought to have more heart disease than women, women need to be more careful of their long-term exposure to air pollution and exercising outside.
In the United States, almost 16 million people suffer from heart disease. Air pollution is getting worse in developing countries, making health problems a growing concern there. Both situations point to the importance of this research.
The awareness of the problems of heart disease and air pollution will make a difference in the number of fatalities that are directly linked to heart disease. Being cautious exercising in high pollution areas will keep you healthier and minimize your long-term health affects. Exercise is important, so it needs to be done, but you may need to do it in a safer environment to help keep your body and your heart healthy.
