Toxic Air Affects More Than Lungs

08/26/08 Research

Aside from damaging lungs, researchers have determined that air pollution can have adverse affects on the heart.

A recent study published study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology indicates that micro particles migrate from the lungs into the heart. Scientists have traced these ultra fine particles to automobile emissions. Previously, experts believed that cardiac disease as a result of pollution was attributed to inflammation of the lungs that released toxic cytokines that damaged the heart. Cytokines are proteins which control and mediate inflammation by adhering to membranes.

Air pollution as a precursor of heart disease is not a new idea. The toxicity has been linked to irregular hear rates, blood pressure, and blood coagulability (clotting). Now, it is believed that the pollutants directly damage the heart and vessels. As for the automobile being named as a major culprit, a study of 4,500 participants may bolster that claim. The individuals were measured with non-invasive imaging for heart and vessel calcification. The closer a person lived to a main roadway with heavy traffic, the higher the rate of cardiac damage. Those who lived further away did not experience as much cardiac damage.

I’m not so sure this kind of study alone proves the point about vehicle emissions for a few reasons, not the least of which is socio-economic. We don’t know what kinds of jobs were held by the higher risk individuals. Were they more or less affluent?

Researchers believe the inflammatory response creates oxidants which could be potentially treated with antioxidants like omega-3. As with all studies, there will always be more questions than answers. In the meantime, it can’t hurt to start including natural sources of antioxidants such as fish oil, chia seeds, cranberries, or oranges, in your diet.

Corie Richter is a nurse and physician's assistant who started her career as a health educator. The survivor of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and partially successful quadruple bypass surgery, she did not let her health challenges hamper her. Neither the limitations of spinal surgery nor of diabetes have deterred her from a mission of service. She now encourages others through writing and speaking engagements to master their disabilities through education and a proactive attitude.