Pollution: Every major city in India is currently in the grip of pollution. In cities like Delhi, even breathing becomes difficult. Let us tell you how many people die due to air pollution every day.

AIR Pollution: Every year during the winter season, Delhi and some other states in North India are shrouded in haze and smog. Many people believe that this damages the lungs, but do you know whether pollution actually causes any problems to your heart or whether it leads to heart disease? If you don't know, let us tell you today what the connection is between pollution and heart disease, according to research and experts.

How can it harm the heart?

According to the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), gases such as small particles (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and ozone present in air pollution enter our bodies and reach the bloodstream, causing various harm to the body. These particles create imbalances in our cells, increasing the risk of inflammation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, pollution weakens the inner lining of our arteries, increasing the risk of blockages. This also increases the risk of high blood pressure and blood clots. Sometimes, its levels can rise so high that they can trigger cases like a heart attack or stroke.

What diseases are there a risk of?

New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and Air Pollution and Heart Disease & Stroke – AHA research have mentioned the diseases caused by it. According to these research, the heart may have to face many kinds of problems due to this, such as heart attack, risk of stroke, heart failure, becoming a victim of irregular heartbeat, and the problem of high blood pressure. You can face all these problems due to pollution. The Lancet Commission on pollution and health (2022) report said that a total of 9 million or 90 lakh people lost their lives in the year 2019 across the world due to pollution. Out of this, about 62 percent deaths were due to heart attack and stroke. 

What is the situation in India?

India is among the countries most at risk from air pollution. According to a WHO report, the air quality (AQI) in many of the country's major cities consistently remains in the poor category. This is why the risk of heart disease is rapidly increasing among residents of most metropolitan areas, with experts attributing this to pollution.