Poor Air Quality Increases the Risk of Heart Attacks

Dream - Poor air pollution in several regions in Indonesia, especially in the Jadebotabek area, has caused many people to complain about respiratory problems. Apparently, pollution not only affects respiratory health but also heart conditions.

A study revealed that when someone is exposed to hot air mixed with air pollution, their risk of heart attack is twice as high. Sometimes, extremely hot or cold weather without air pollution can also increase this risk. Dream Friends need to monitor the conditions outside when the weather is extreme or when the air quality is poor.

“One important message is that if you have a history of coronary artery disease, especially if you have recently or previously had a heart attack, it is important to take preventive measures when the outside conditions are very hot or very cold,” said Grant Reed, MD, a heart specialist from the Cleveland Clinic.

Yuewei Liu, MD, PhD, a senior researcher and epidemiology professor at the School of Public Health Sun Yat-Sen University, China, revealed that not only extreme hot and cold weather triggers health problems. Other environmental issues related to extreme temperatures can also have a negative impact on heart health, namely fine air particles or what we know as pollution.

These fine particles usually come from fires or emissions from power plants, cars, trucks, and industrial facilities. These particles are more dangerous than coarse particles. Why? Because of their very fine shape, these particles can reach the deepest parts of the lungs or, even more dangerously, enter our bloodstream.

The Relationship Between Heart Attacks, Weather, and Air Quality

Researchers analyzed 202,678 cases of death due to heart attacks in Jiangsu Province, China, between 2015 and 2020 as research material. They examined the weather patterns and pollution levels on the days surrounding the victims' deaths and found that the risk of fatal heart attacks doubled when the environmental temperature ranged from 83° to 98°F.

During the four-day study, fine particle pollution measured above 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter. This amount exceeds the air quality guidelines set by the World Health Organization, which recommends avoiding exposure to more than 15 micrograms per cubic meter.

The researchers found an 18% increased risk of fatal heart attacks during two days of heatwaves. The potential for death due to heart attacks increased by 4% during cold weather for two days when the temperature ranged from 33° to 41°F.

According to the study, people aged 80 years and older, especially women, are at higher risk of dying from heart attacks during heatwaves, cold weather, or days with poor air quality.

Although the specific relationship between heart attacks, weather, and air quality is not known, researchers have theories related to this. This includes dehydration, which can affect the risk of heart attacks during extreme heat. Meanwhile, high blood pressure and constricted blood vessels can increase the risk of fatal heart attacks during cold weather.

Make sure to maintain a healthy diet. Also, do the following things when air pollution is bad, like now, for heart health.

1. Stay up-to-date on weather forecasts
2. Dress according to the temperature
3. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
4. Wear a mask when outdoors
5. Avoid busy roads if possible
6. Use air purifiers

Report by Marha Adani Putri/ Source: Health