About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Can Beijing Pollution Lead to Heart Attacks and Strokes Among Spectators?

by Hannah Punitha on July 22, 2008 at 7:23 PM
 Can Beijing Pollution Lead to Heart Attacks and Strokes Among Spectators?

It's not just Olympic athletes who need to worry about the heavily polluted air in Beijing, for the dirty air may cause serious heart problems for some spectators too.

For people in certain risk groups, breathing high levels of pollution can cause heart attacks and strokes within 24 hours of exposure and increase the possibility of having blood clots in their legs on the plane home, warn two researchers in pulmonary medicine and critical care at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.

Advertisement

People who are at most risk include those who already have known cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, lung disease, a current smoking habit or a family member diagnosed with heart disease before age 55.

"If the air quality is bad, you are more likely to have serious heart disease related events," said Gokhan Mutlu, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the Northwestern's Feinberg School and a physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Advertisement

"Being exposed to higher levels of pollution may unmask heart disease even if you've never had any symptoms," Mutlu added.

Mutlu published a study in 2007 that showed how pollution triggers heart attacks and strokes.

He found that microscopic air pollution, particles less than one-tenth of the diameter of a human hair, makes the blood thicker and sticky.

He found when lungs are inflamed by pollution, they secrete a substance, interleukin-6, which causes an increased tendency for blood to clot.

A more recent study has shown that people who live in polluted areas are more likely to have blood clots in their legs.

Traveling long distances by car or plane is known to put people at risk for these clots.

"If you spend a few weeks in Beijing, your blood might become thicker and sticky and then when you fly 12 hours back to the U.S. that further increases your risk. If clots migrate into the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism, that can kill you," Mutlu warned.

Source: ANI
SPH
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Environmental Health

Can Kitchen Spices & Indoor Plants be Harmful?
Kitchen spices like nutmeg and poppy seeds, when ingested in excess, as well as indoor ornamental plants, cause negative health issues.
Groundbreaking Study Forecasts 2023 as Hottest Year on Record
As global warming accelerates, the need for immediate and ongoing action to mitigate climate change's catastrophic consequences becomes imperative.
How Forever Chemicals Lead to Delayed Puberty?
Forever chemicals or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in children, may cause them to mature later during puberty.
Carbon Footprint of a Hospital Bed Calculated
To achieve more substantial reductions in emissions, hospital sustainability efforts must extend their focus beyond the surface.
Most Parents Report Children Facing Poor Air Quality
Most parents in Canada support moving school activities indoors to protect children from poor air quality.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Can Beijing Pollution Lead to Heart Attacks and Strokes Among Spectators? Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests