Pollution kills your heart slowly

Doctors always suggest quitting smoking to prevent heart ailments. Studies show a direct co-relation between heart disease and levels of pollution. A person stranded in a traffic junction for five minutes in a polluted area will be exposed to the effect of smoking five cigarettes. Main air pollutants are: particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Particulate matter (PM) of sizes 2.5 and 10 μm pose the greatest danger to humans.

Who are at the highest risk? They are old people, diabetics and patients with a history of heart disease.

Cities with cleaner air tend to have fewer people suffering heart attacks. In the last few years, everyone has started to take action on reducing the pollution levels. Government agencies will take their own course of action, but it is everybody’s responsibility as well.

We need to keep the following in mind to reduce the risk of heart attacks: Eat healthy: Reduce salt intake, eat more fruits and vegetables.

Control your vital stats such as blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes Quit smoking Regular exercise

Avoid going out when pollution levels are high Make sure the house is also pollution free

Wear good quality masks Don’t ignore the symptoms of a heart attack — chest discomfort (pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain), pain radiating to the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath — call an ambulance immediately.