How Air Pollution Can Harm the Heart (& What You Can Do About It)

Houstonians are no strangers to traffic-clogged highways and the constant hum of industry. With so many cars on the road and a strong industrial presence, it's easy to see why air pollution might be top of mind for you.

But while many people associate air pollution with lung problems, fewer realize its significant impact on heart health.

"High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes are the examples of what we consider as traditional risk factors for heart disease," explains Dr. Sadeer Al-Kindi, a preventive cardiologist at Houston Methodist. "But there are emerging risk factors we're starting to better understand — including environmental exposures, like air pollution."

When you live in a city like Houston, is there anything you can do to mitigate this risk? Here's everything you need to know about the link between pollution and your heart.

What is air pollution, and how does it harm your heart?

Air pollution is an umbrella term for a variety of harmful substances in the air. One of the most concerning components is fine particulate matter. This is a term for the tiny particles that collect and travel through the air and can be inhaled deep into our lungs.

"We've learned that these particles don't just stay in the lungs," adds Dr. Al-Kindi. "Some of them can enter the bloodstream, where they can then move to and deposit in different organs, including the heart and brain."

Research, ongoing for decades now, has linked air pollution to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, though indirectly, by increasing the likelihood of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance and obesity.

"All of these set off a cascade of downstream events that affect the heart — primarily through atherosclerosis, a process where fatty deposits build up in blood vessels," says Dr. Al-Kindi. "Particulate matter is also linked to inflammation, which, over time, can further contribute to the development and worsening of heart disease."

Can you reduce your risk?

While you may not be able to change Houston's air quality, there are steps you can take to protect your heart:

• Monitor air quality – Checking the local air quality can help you understand when you might want to limit time spent outdoors. Air quality index provides level of pollutants and recommendations based on these levels.
• Limit outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high – Exercise is good for your health, of course, but exercising while exposed to high levels of air pollution can be counterproductive. Exercise can increase the amount of air you breathe and thus can increase your overall exposure to air pollution.
• Close car windows while driving – Car exhaust is a major source of pollution, especially in congested streets of Houston. Closing car windows can reduce exposure to air pollution levels.
• Early diagnosis and management of heart and vascular disease – Knowing your risk of heart disease and being screened for risk factors are critical for keeping a healthy heart. People who have a high risk of heart disease may benefit from medications that help lower blood pressure or cholesterol, and people with heart failure may need to take extreme care on days when air pollution levels are very high.
• Use portable air cleaners and N95 masks – Emerging evidence suggest that vulnerable individuals may benefit from inhaling purified air, whether via portable air cleaners (small devices placed in the home) or wearing N95 masks, during times of high pollution.

Dr. Al-Kindi adds that there are steps you can take to reduce your overall risk of heart disease. These include the heart-healthy habits outlined in the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8: eating a healthy diet, staying active, not smoking, getting enough quality sleep and managing your weight, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure.

"Interestingly, while poor environment can harm heart health, the environment can also be part of the solution," adds Dr. Al-Kindi. "Studies have shown that access to green spaces can improve cardiovascular issues, and tree-planting initiatives have been linked to better heart health outcomes. Our Center for Health and Nature at Houston Methodist is focusing on developing nature access as a healthcare delivery system to improve health outcomes."