Air Pollution and Heart Attack: As Diwali approaches, pollution levels in Delhi-NCR increase. A layer of smog engulfs Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad, along with surrounding areas. This time too, the air quality index of many NCR cities has reached the poor category. Due to increased pollution, people often face lung problems and breathing difficulties, but you will be surprised to know that pollution not only destroys your respiratory system but also severely affects your heart.
According to health experts, people who spend extended periods of time in polluted environments are more likely to develop heart disease than those who live in normal environments. These individuals may experience problems like sudden cardiac arrest, silent heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. In light of the rising pollution in Delhi-NCR, doctors have cautioned residents and advised them to protect themselves from pollution and stay safe.
This thing present in the body, not cholesterol, is becoming the enemy of the heart, giving a double blow to the youth.
Pollution is a major risk factor for the heart.
Professor Tarun Kumar, an interventional cardiologist at Medanta Moolchand Heart Center, explains that heart attack cases are more common in polluted cities. It has also been observed that families living near major highways are more prone to heart disease. Pollution is a major risk factor for heart disease, especially in developing countries. Controlling pollution can help prevent heart problems.
How dangerous is pollution for the heart?
Dr. Kumar says that even if you live in a polluted city and don’t smoke, you’re still inhaling as much smoke, pollutants, and chemicals as smoking 15-20 cigarettes. As you know, smoking contains at least 3,000-4,000 chemicals that damage your arteries, cause inflammation, and damage your endothelial lining, all of which increase your risk of a heart attack.
Preventive measures are essential.
Health experts are constantly advising people living in polluted cities to avoid pollution exposure. Doctors recommend staying indoors as much as possible during times of pollution and trying to keep the home environment pollution-free. For heart health, exercise regularly and stay hydrated by consuming a high-liquid diet, as well as eating nutritious food.