Direct attack on the heart due to pollution: Blood starts clotting in the veins of the heart, become alert as soon as you see these symptoms.

New Delhi: Air pollution is no longer a threat limited only to respiratory diseases, but it is also having a serious impact on heart health. Due to breathing poisonous air, the heart is becoming weak and the risk of blood clotting in the veins of the heart is increasing rapidly. Recent research has revealed a shocking claim that the risk of heart attack and fatal respiratory problems can increase manifold due to pollution.

According to a major study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), very small particles present in polluted air are entering the body through breath. These particles pass through the lungs and reach the blood veins and there accelerate the process of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) i.e. blood clot formation. This condition is considered very dangerous for the heart.

How is a blood clot formed in the heart?

Research has shown that microscopic particles present in pollution, especially PM2.5, cause inflammation in the body. Due to this, the inner layer of the heart veins gets affected and blood starts clotting. In many cases, this clot can break and reach the lungs, causing sudden difficulty in breathing, dizziness or unconsciousness. If timely treatment is not received, it can completely stop blood flow, which can prove fatal.

Swelling of heart veins is also a big danger

It has become clear in many previous studies that air pollution harms not only the lungs but also the heart. Earlier heart attacks and strokes were linked to pollution, but now new research is indicating that pollution is directly causing the formation of blood clots in the heart veins.

Experts’ warning

According to Dr. Varun Bansal, cardiologist of Apollo Hospital, Delhi, polluted air increases inflammation in the heart veins, which increases the risk of heart diseases. This problem can be more serious in high blood pressure patients. He said that a lot of research has been done on pollution and blood clot issues in foreign countries and its effects are now clearly visible in India too.

Dangerous symptoms of blood clot

If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

severe chest pain

difficulty breathing

sudden fainting

cold sweat

How to protect from pollution?

1. Wear a mask while leaving the house

2. Avoid going to highly polluted areas

3. Do not exercise in the open in the morning and evening

4. Adopt healthy eating habits and drink more water

Especially those people who already have heart disease, high BP, diabetes or obesity, they need to take extra precautions. Avoiding pollution is the most effective way to keep the heart safe.