ASK DR. H: Bad air can increase risk of heart attack, stroke

Q: Last year, you answered my question about air pollution and its effects on the athletes competing at the Beijing Olympics. Can you comment on a news story I just heard on how air pollution right here at home can increase our risk of heart attacks? –S.K., Philadelphia

A: The news story you heard are the findings of a University of Michigan study just published in the September issue of Hypertension.

The deleterious effects of air pollution on our lungs are well known; now researchers have shown that the microscopic particles in air pollution can get into the bloodstream, causing a rise in diastolic (resting heart) blood pressure and an impairment of endothelial function (critical factors that help arteries to relax or dilate to allow maximal blood flow).

Roughly one-third of Americans have high blood pressure, a known risk factor for stroke, heart attacks, congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease. For those with underlying coronary artery or peripheral vascular disease, a blood pressure rise of just a few points could potentially trigger a heart attack or stroke — especially when combined with pollution-induced impairment of the endothelium (arterial wall lining).

By the way, ozone gases were not found to have a significant effect on either blood pressure elevation or the endothelial lining of blood vessels.

Dr. Mitchell Hecht is a physician specializing in internal medicine. Send questions to him at: “Ask Dr. H,” P.O. Box 767787, Roswell, GA 30076. Because of the large volume of mail received, personal replies are not possible.