Air pollution and heart disease
Evidence shows that air pollution can make
existing heart conditions worse and can affect our cardiovascular
system, causing heart attacks and strokes amongst vulnerable
people.
Given the large number of people in the UK living with
heart disease and the likelihood of their
exposure to air pollution, it is vital that UK governments ensure
they are meeting European Commission targets to improve air
quality.
More research is needed to identify
the pollutants which cause heart disease - understanding this
will allow us to develop ways to reduce them. We
are funding research which
looks at how air pollution causes abnormalities in the blood
vessels. This may help explain the link between heart disease and
pollution. BHF-funded scientists have
also investigated the role of facemasks in protecting against the
damaging effects of pollution on the heart. Although the research
suggests that facemasks may improve some risk factors, there is not
currently enough evidence to support the routine use of facemasks
in the UK at this time.
As aerobic physical
activity is very good for the heart, the benefits of exercising
outdoors outweigh the risks associated with air pollution for most
people. However, people with coronary heart disease should avoid
spending long periods outdoors in areas where traffic pollution is
likely to be high. For example, avoiding walking on, or near, busy
roads. Local air quality reports could help people to understand
when they might be most at risk.
