Study Links Air Pollution to Heart Attack

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Study Links Air Pollution to Heart Attack

A study published in October 2004 found that heart attack patients were three times more likely to have been driving or riding in traffic during the hour before the onset of crushing chest pain than doing any other activity. And it wasn't just the automobile drivers who experienced this phenomenon. Bus passengers and bicyclists were also noted to suffer heart attacks more often after riding in heavy traffic. The increased risk appeared to be more a function of smoggy conditions than noise or stress, according to the researchers. Many other scientific papers have documented the increased heart risk posed by air pollution, especially the particles belched out by diesel engines. Smog causes inflammation in the blood vessels, which can sometimes lead to rupture of plaques resulting in a heart attack. It also disrupts the heart's natural rhythms, increases stress hormones and constricts blood vessels.

Research shows that air pollution can be a surprisingly localized risk. For example, people riding in cars or buses inhale 10 times more pollutants and toxic compounds than folks in the same vicinity who are walking on the sidewalk, where the tailpipe emissions are not pointed directly at them. The take-home message is to avoid smoggy conditions whenever possible. Try to use less congested routes and travel at non-peak times when you can. When exercising, stay away from busy streets, and instead look for less traveled roads, parks, etc. Also, the pollution at airports is generally among the worst in the city; so try to avoid spending unnecessary time there.

"Have you ever noticed that anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone driving faster than you is a maniac?" - George Carlin.

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