Traffic pollution silently punctures the heart

 Traffic jams accelerate health risks, like a spike in high blood pressure, resulting in a serious threat to your heart.

"Traffic pollution poses a hidden yet perilous threat to heart health, with far-reaching consequences that often go unnoticed," says expert. (Illustration by Vani Gupta/India Today)

Daphne Clarance, India Today, New Delhi, Dec 8, 2023 :  Picture this: you're stuck in traffic, surrounded by a sea of tail lights, and the cacophony of honking is the soundtrack to your commute. In the urban landscape of car horns and engine roars, we've all experienced the chaos of rush hour.

It turns out, this urban orchestra might be composing more than just noise - it could be a symphony of health risks, with high blood pressure taking centre stage, and then a serious threat to your heart.

Traffic pollution, filled with harmful and toxic elements, can put your health on precarious grounds. It doesn’t matter then, whether you’re exercising regularly or eating lots of protein every day. After all, it boils down to inhaling toxic air – a public health concern for lungs and cardiovascular diseases.

The hidden effect of traffic pollution on the heart

Dr Amjad Shaikh, Consultant, Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, told IndiaToday.In that traffic pollution poses a "hidden yet perilous threat" to the health of your heart.

"The far-reaching consequences often go unnoticed. The exhaust fumes emitted by vehicles release a cocktail of toxic substances, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds,” said Dr Amjad Shaikh, adding that these pollutants infiltrate the air we breathe, leading to a cascade of adverse effects on cardiovascular well-being.

When we talk about air pollution, among the most dangerous components present in its composition are particulate matter, a lethal element, and nitrogen oxide.

Particulate matter, tiny particles suspended in the air, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

Once in the circulatory system, these particles trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, initiating a chain reaction that damages blood vessels and promotes the development of atherosclerosis – the hardening and narrowing of arteries.

Nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of reactive oxygen species, further exacerbating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Traffic pollution spikes your blood pressure

The detrimental impact of traffic pollution is not limited to arterial health. Studies have linked exposure to air pollutants with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events.

Researchers from the University of Washington published a study in November 2023 about how getting stuck in traffic is not just associated with stress, but can even spike your blood pressure.

The study revealed that air pollution from traffic can cause a significant rise in blood pressure that can last up to 24 hours. (Illustration by Vani Gupta/India Today): 

The study revealed that air pollution from traffic can cause a significant rise in blood pressure that can last up to 24 hours. This spike is almost the same as the effect of a high-sodium diet, which can contribute to heart problems.

As per the study, breathing unfiltered air resulted in an increase of more than 4.5 millimetres of mercury in blood pressure compared to filtered air.

Acceleration of heart issues

Dr Udgeath Dhir, Director, CTVS (cardiothoracic vascular surgery) at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, revealed that prolonged exposure to pollutants has been associated with adverse structural changes in the heart, including hypertrophy of the left ventricle, a condition linked to heart failure.

Air pollution can cause inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction - factors that contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries),” said Dr Udgeath Dhir.

Vulnerable populations include people with pre-existing heart conditions and children.

“For instance, children exposed to long-term pollution may experience impaired lung development and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues later in life,” added Dr Dhir.

Dr Shabarinath Samudrala, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad highlighted the ill effects of ground-level ozone and particulate matter formed by the interaction of sunlight with pollutants from vehicle emissions.

This can increase the risk of blood clotting within the blood cells.

Children exposed to long-term pollution may experience impaired lung development and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues later in life. (Photo: Getty Images)

“Both acute and chronic exposure to PM is associated with increased risk of death from ischaemic heart disease (reduced blood flow), heart failure, blood clotting, irregular heartbeat, and systemic inflammatory responses,” said Dr Shabarinath Samudrala.

The way forward

As we navigate the bustling urban landscape, the unseen threat of traffic pollution lingers.

“This underscores the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions and stringent air quality regulations to safeguard our hearts from this silent assailant,” Dr Shaikh.

Addressing the dangerous effects of traffic pollution on the heart requires a multi-faceted approach.

“Implementing stricter emission standards for vehicles, promoting public transportation, and creating green spaces in urban areas can help reduce exposure. Public health initiatives emphasising the importance of cardiovascular health and advocating for cleaner air policies are crucial for fostering long-term change,” said Dr Dhir.