Traffic Pollution Quietly Affects the Heart.

New Delhi: Imagine being stuck in traffic, surrounded by a sea of brake lights, with the symphony of honking serving as the soundtrack to your daily commute. Amid the urban noise of car horns and engine roars, the chaos of rush hour may be more than just noise; it could be orchestrating a composition of health risks, with high blood pressure taking center stage as a serious threat to your heart.

Traffic pollution, laden with harmful and toxic elements, emerges as a peril to your health. Regardless of regular exercise or a protein-rich diet, the inhalation of toxic air becomes a pressing public health concern for lung and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Amjad Shaikh, Consultant in Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, emphasizes the “hidden yet perilous threat” posed by traffic pollution to heart health, shedding light on far-reaching consequences that often go unnoticed. The exhaust fumes released by vehicles constitute a toxic cocktail, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, infiltrating the air we breathe and triggering adverse effects on cardiovascular well-being.

Particulate matter, microscopic particles suspended in the air, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, sparking inflammation and oxidative stress. This initiates a chain reaction damaging blood vessels and fostering the development of atherosclerosis – the hardening and narrowing of arteries. Nitrogen oxides contribute to reactive oxygen species’ formation, intensifying oxidative stress and inflammation. Beyond arterial health, studies link exposure to air pollutants to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.

Researchers from the University of Washington published a November 2023 study revealing that air pollution from traffic can significantly elevate blood pressure, comparable to the effect of a high-sodium diet, contributing to heart problems. Breathing unfiltered air led to a blood pressure increase exceeding 4.5 millimeters of mercury compared to filtered air. Prolonged exposure to pollutants has been associated with adverse structural changes in the heart, such as hypertrophy of the left ventricle, a condition linked to heart failure.

Dr. Udgeath Dhir, Director of Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, highlights that air pollution induces inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to atherosclerosis. Vulnerable populations include those with pre-existing heart conditions and children, who may experience impaired lung development and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues later in life.

Addressing the detrimental effects of traffic pollution requires a comprehensive approach. Implementing stricter emission standards for vehicles, promoting public transportation, and creating green spaces in urban areas can reduce exposure. Dr. Shaikh stresses the need for sustainable transportation solutions and stringent air quality regulations to safeguard hearts from this silent assailant. Public health initiatives advocating for cardiovascular health and cleaner air policies play a crucial role in fostering long-term change.