Pollution is a major global problem, and it’s been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
We’ll explore the different types of pollution, their effects on our heart health, and what steps we can take to reduce our risk.
We’ll also discuss the potential long-term implications of pollution on our heart health, as well as how to prevent and treat heart-related diseases caused by pollution.
By the end of this blog, you’ll be more informed about the dangers of pollution and how you can protect your heart health.
Different types of pollution and our heart health
Pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. It affects not only our planet, but also our own health. It’s been linked to a number of respiratory, cardiovascular, and other health problems, many of which can be severe.
In particular, air pollution is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
There are many types of pollution, but the most common are air, water, and land pollution.
Air pollution and heart health
Air pollution is the most studied type of pollution, as it’s known to have significant impacts on our health. It’s caused by the release of pollutants into the atmosphere from various sources, such as emissions from cars, factories, and power plants.
These pollutants can include nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter (PM). PM is made up of tiny particles which can be inhaled and penetrate deep into our lungs, leading to a range of health problems.
Air pollution has been linked to heart disease in numerous studies, which have shown that exposure to air pollution can cause inflammation in our arteries, leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Long-term exposure to air pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of heart failure and death from cardiovascular disease.
Air pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of both arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat).
Water pollution and heart health
Water pollution is another major source of environmental pollution. It’s caused by the release of pollutants into our water systems, including our rivers, lakes, and oceans, and can include heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and agricultural runoff.
Water pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, as contaminated water can contain bacteria and viruses which can damage our heart, plus it’s also been linked to an increased risk of arrhythmias.
Land pollution and heart health
Land pollution is caused by the release of pollutants onto land, such as pesticides and fertilisers. This can be a major source of air pollution, as these pollutants can be spread into the air.
Studies have shown that land pollution can be linked to an increased risk of heart disease, as it can contain toxic chemicals which can damage our heart.
Are there any long term heart health effects from pollution?
Yes, there is growing evidence that pollution can have serious long-term effects on our heart and it’s becoming increasingly important for us to understand how to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Long-term exposure to air pollution has been found to increase the risk of developing heart disease due to a number of factors.
In particular, air pollution has been linked to higher levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, and atherosclerosis in the body.
Plus air pollution has been found to contribute to the development of high blood pressure, which can lead to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
Also – water pollution has been linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease, especially via an increase in the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms, which can lead to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
Water pollution has also been linked to an increase in the levels of certain toxins and pollutants that can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease.
Pollution and your heart health – possible Action Steps
To reduce the risk of developing heart disease due to pollution, there are several steps that we can take.
Firstly, it’s important to reduce our exposure to air and water pollution, for example by avoiding areas with high levels of pollution, such as cities and industrial areas. Plus by avoiding activities such as smoking and using open wood-burning stoves.
Lifestyle changes can also help – including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
These changes can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, that can contribute to the development of heart disease.
Finally, we can take steps to reduce our own (personal) pollution exposure by using public transport and opting for an electric vehicle when possible. It can also help to make sure we keep our homes and workplaces well-ventilated, plus avoiding using aerosols and open wood-burning stoves.
Supplements, pollution and heart health
In addition to eating a healthy diet to combat the affects of pollution on our heart health, there are specific vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that may help to reduce factors that can contribute to the development of heart disease including inflammation, oxidative stress.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that is important for our overall health. It’s a potent antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can contribute to the development of heart disease. Vitamin C can also help to reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Additionally, vitamin C can help to reduce levels of homocysteine – an amino acid that’s linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another important vitamin that can help to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and other factors that can contribute to the development of heart disease.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the cells of our body from damage caused by free radicals.
It can also help to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and homocysteine, as mentioned above.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are important for overall health. They’re known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as covered above.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral that plays a role in many different processes in the body. It’s known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Additionally, magnesium can help to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as already mentioned.
Folate
Folate is an essential nutrient that is important for our overall health. It can help to reduce levels of homocysteine, plus can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and can help to protect the cells of the body – as covered above.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that’s also important for our general health. It’s known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Plus can help to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and homocysteine, as mentioned above.
Conclusion
Pollution has been linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease due to a number of factors, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and atherosclerosis.
To reduce the risk of developing heart disease due to pollution, we can each take steps to reduce our exposure to air and water pollution, as well as making lifestyle changes and reducing our exposure to personal pollution.
By following these steps, we can help to reduce our risk of developing heart disease due to pollution to help us maintain good heart health.
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O., I.N.H.C., is The LifeStyle Aligner. She’s an experienced practitioner since 1992 in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified Osteopath, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, speaker, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, and Health Brand Ambassador.
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Air pollution and inflammation
References –
1. World Health Organization (2020). Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Diseases. Available online:
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/air-pollution-and-cardiovascular-disease Baccarelli, A. & Martuzzi, M. (2014). Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation, 129(21), 2235-2250.
3. http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/129/21/2235 Brook, R.D., Franklin, B., Cascio, W. et al. (2004). Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Expert Panel on Population and Prevention Science of the American Heart Association. Circulation, 109(21), 2655–2671.
4. http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/109/21/2655 Sun, Q., Yue, P., Deiuliis, J. et al. (2009). Ambient Air Pollution and Atherosclerosis in Los Angeles. Environmental Health Perspectives, 117(7), 1097–1103. https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.0900674
Studies have shown that land pollution can be linked to an increased risk of heart disease, as it can contain toxic chemicals which can damage our hearts.
References –
1. Guo, Y., et al. “Association Between Land Pollution and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Environmental Research, vol. 176, 2019, pp. 108717. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935118304437 2. Wang, Y., et al. “Association Between Ambient Air Pollution and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Environmental Research, vol. 176, 2019, pp. 108712. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935118304590 3. Fu, Y., et al. “Association Between Land Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 16, no. 18, 2019, pp. 3411. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/18/
4. Zhang, Q., et al. “Association between Land Pollution and Risk of Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6101600/
5. Gao, Y., et al. “Association between Land Pollution and Risk of Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Environmental Research, vol
Supplements – To combat the affects of pollution on our heart health, there are certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that may help to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and other factors that can contribute to the development of heart disease.
References –
1. Bazzano LA, He J, Ogden LG, et al. Dietary intake of folate, other B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids in relation to congestive heart failure risk. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;45(7):1160-1167. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2005.01.039 2. Bo S, Castellano S, Bellocco R, et al. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins and incidence of stroke: the EPIC-Italy case-cohort study. BMC Public Health. 2011;11:13. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-11-13
3. Li Y, Hruby A, Bernstein AM, et al. Association between magnesium intake and serum C-reactive protein in US adults. Magnes Res. 2011;24(3):117-124. doi:10.1684/mrh.2011.0212
4. Doshi SN, Devereux RB, Asmar R, et al. Dietary magnesium and cardiovascular risk factors in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Atherosclerosis. 2009;205