Cardiovascular disease still ranks as the number 1 killer all around the world. The good news is there are ways to significantly reduce the risk. These include staying away from air pollution as much as you can.
In a position paper published in European Heart Journal, more than 15 heart experts led by the University of Sheffield cardiology professor Dr. Robert Storey urge people to avoid or significantly reduce exposure to air pollution since it can only increase the risk of developing respiratory and heart disease.
According to the same paper, air pollution alone causes over 3 million deaths per year and constitutes more than 3% of disability claims. In fact, the impact of air pollution to heart health is more severe than eating a diet that is high in cholesterol and salt. It is also worse than a sedentary lifestyle or substance abuse. However, these cases have a chance of declining simply because air pollution effects can be avoided or prevented.
One of the biggest concerns of the health experts are the particles that are trapped in the air, which may come from vehicles, power plants, and other industrial buildings that emit them. When these small particles are inhaled, they can lead to lung inflammation and promote blood clots. They may also disturb the normal rhythm of the heart.
While air pollution affects everyone, it is more dangerous for the elderly and the children, especially the newborn. Those who have heart problems should also be aware of the effects of air pollution.
In order to reduce exposure and the level of pollutants in the air, the health experts suggest that people should learn to commute. Adding ventilation systems can also help as well as avoiding going out on days when air pollution is extremely high.
