Increasingly serious air pollution in large cities not only makes the sky blurred but also erodes human health every day. Few people expect that, besides the lungs, the heart is also an organ that suffers severe damage when we breathe an air filled with fine dust and toxic gas.
According to medical research, ultra- Fine dust particles can go deep into the lungs, then enter the blood, causing inflammation of blood vessels and disrupting cardiovascular activities. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution is the cause of about 4.2 million premature deaths each year globally, most of which are related to cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Abhilash Mishra - a cardiologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital - warned: "Long-term exposure to polluted air increases blood viscosity, promoting the formation of blood clots. This is the cause of heart attacks and strokes. In addition, pollution also contributes to atherosclerosis, making the vessels narrower and harder.
Warning signs not to be missed
Many people are often subjective when experiencing symptoms such as chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, dizziness or shortness of breath, thinking that it is just fleeting fatigue. However, according to experts, this could be a signal that the heart is under pressure due to poor air quality.
People with underlying diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity need to be even more cautious. But even young, healthy people can feel chest heaviness and fatigue on days of high pollution, says Dr. Mishra.
Tests to help identify cardiovascular risks
To monitor and prevent early, doctors recommend that people in polluted areas should have regular cardiovascular check-ups. Some important tests include: electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect arrhythmia; ultrasound to assess blood pumping function; blood lipid testing to control cholesterol; regular blood pressure measurement; and hs-CRP testing to detect inflammation, a factor directly related to the risk of heart attack.
Blood fat and blood pressure levels, if well controlled, can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, Dr. Mishra emphasizes.
In the context of the difficulty in improving air quality in one day or two, each person needs to proactively protect themselves. Experts recommend limiting going out on heavily polluted days; if you have to go, you need to wear a standard mask. Keep the air in the house clean with an air purifier, close the door when the pollution index increases.
In addition, maintaining exercise by exercising indoors, drinking enough water for better blood circulation and having regular health check-ups are simple tasks but bring long-term benefits to the heart.
The information in the article is for reference only, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate advice that is suitable for your health condition.
