Pollution Can Double Risk of Fatal Heart Attack

News Desk

Islamabad: A research study found that the risk of dying from a heart attack may double on days with both extremely high temperatures and excessive levels of pollution from fine particulate matter.

The study was published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation which further revealed that women and older adults are particularly at risk.

Researchers analysed 202,678 heart attack deaths between 2015 and 2020 in the Chinese Jiangsu province which experiences four distinct seasons and a range of temperatures and pollution levels, Medical Daily reported.

The greatest increase in the risk of death from a heart attack was seen on days that had a combination of extreme heat and high levels of PM2.5 (Particulate Matter).

During 4-day heat waves with fine particulate pollution levels above 37.5 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter), the risk was twice as high. For context, the World Health Organization recommends no more than 15 µg/m3 for more than 3-4 days per year.

Sun Yat-sen University School of Public Health Associate Professor of Epidemiology Yuewei Liu stated that extreme temperature events are occurring more frequently, lasting longer and intensifying, and considerable worry has been raised about their detrimental consequences on health.

The accumulation of tiny particulate matter in the air, which may interact synergistically with extreme temperatures to adversely affect cardiovascular health, is another environmental problem that exists on a global scale, Liu added.

Fine particulates are less than 2.5 microns in size and may be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can irritate the lungs and blood vessels around the heart. Most are associated with fuel combustion, such as particles from car exhaust, factory emissions, or wildfires.

Following weather forecasts, staying indoors during extreme heat, using fans and air conditioners, dressing appropriately for the weather, staying hydrated, and installing window blinds to lower indoor temperatures are all ways for people to prevent adverse health effects from extreme temperatures, suggested Associate Professor.

On days with high levels of fine particulate pollution, using an air purifier indoors, donning a mask outdoors, avoiding busy highways when walking, and picking less intense outdoor activities may also help to lessen exposure to air pollution, further added Senior Author Dr Yuewei.

The study recommended taking fine particulate pollution into consideration when providing extreme temperature warnings to the public.