Air pollution linked to irregular heartbeat and lung blood clots
News,
29 June 2014
Air pollution is linked to increased risk of developing an irregular heartbeat and blood clots in the lung, according to a new study.
The research, carried out by researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and funded by the Department of Health, found that short-term exposure to small particulate matter – a form of air pollution linked to cars and other sources – is linked to a raised risk of death from these conditions.
Small particulate matter is known to be dangerous – because of its size (which can be 100 times thinner than a human hair), it can bypass the body's defences against foreign objects and affect the heart and the lungs.
Nevertheless, the study found no clear evidence of a link between air pollution and the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
But the link found between irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation) and blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) is still a matter of concern, according to the report. Both conditions can cause serious complications, especially in vulnerable people with a pre-existing health condition.
The study reinforces the fact that people should not become complacent about the health dangers posed by all forms of pollution.
The research, carried out by researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and funded by the Department of Health, found that short-term exposure to small particulate matter – a form of air pollution linked to cars and other sources – is linked to a raised risk of death from these conditions.
Small particulate matter is known to be dangerous – because of its size (which can be 100 times thinner than a human hair), it can bypass the body's defences against foreign objects and affect the heart and the lungs.
Nevertheless, the study found no clear evidence of a link between air pollution and the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
But the link found between irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation) and blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) is still a matter of concern, according to the report. Both conditions can cause serious complications, especially in vulnerable people with a pre-existing health condition.
The study reinforces the fact that people should not become complacent about the health dangers posed by all forms of pollution.
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