When we hear the words ‘air pollution’ our minds usually wander outdoors, getting an image of a dusty field and smoky sky. That is indeed a poetic description of pollution, isn’t it? However, this is not the occurrence or type of pollution of the air contamination may be found within the four walls of our houses as well. This is called ‘indoor air pollution’, measured in terms of IAQ (Indoor Air Quality).
Usually, impure indoor air quality causes immense discomfort. A removal of the polluting source leads to discomfort being eradicated. But there are some pollutants that can trigger more severe respiratory diseases (like asthma) or even cancer. Moreover, by extension, these become an extreme burden on the heart and it’s functioning, resulting in high blood pressure being an indirect by-product of indoor pollution. Indoor air pollution is responsible for development of inflammatory response in the heart arteries, derangement in the cellular functioning, alterations in the cholesterol plaque burden- all of which lead to cardiovascular diseases. It also increases platelet reactivity and activation as well as atherosclerosis plaque burden in the arteries.
The main indoor impurities are pollen, fungal spores, incense sticks (agarbatti) and tobacco smoke. While the former three irritate the respiratory tract and cause allergies, smoking is a danger to the person lighting it as well as to those around. Carbon monoxide (CO), an extremely dangerous and lethal gas, and nitrogen dioxide are found in various houses due to faulty gas pipelines. CO, considered a silent killer, has lead to the deaths of various people all over the world.
According to a research study, the immediate impact of air pollution on the heart is seen on the elderly, or other people struggling with heart diseases. For these individuals, pollutants in the blood stream can cause cardiac arrest. Pollution may also lead to chronic cardio-vascular issue with aggravating effects on the heart. The relatively longer impact makes even young people susceptible to the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The lack of proper ventilation leads to highly concentration of carbon dioxide. This causes light-headedness and decreases one’s attention span. This increases the load on the heart; the body requires more quantities of oxygenated blood, thus increasing the rate at which the heart pumps the blood out. This may lead to Hypertension or Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat, accompanied with shortness of breath). The main concern is coronary heart disease, which refers to damage to this vital organ due to an insufficient supply of oxygenated blood. Myaglia may also occur due to poor IAQ. It refers to muscle pain; soreness in the muscles that may vary from mild to severe. It occurs because insufficient oxygenated blood reaches the muscles. Cramps and muscle spasms may also arise due to this, with an unhealthy buildup of lactic acid forming around the muscles.
As a heart patient, anyone’s doctor first advises when it comes to lifestyle changes were to get rid of all possible polluting sources in the house. It is only by warding off the home from corrupt air that one with a heart disease can begin to function normally.
Ensuring that there is effective ventilation in the building is extremely vital to maintain healthy indoor air which is safe to breathe in. This is especially necessary for residences located near road junctions. So, let’s be informed citizens and safeguard our bodies for the care of our beating organ.
Matter referenced:
Anoushka Roberts, 20th November, 2020, Pollution’s Target: The Heart, Rajkot Plus; Times of India, Ahmedabad.
By: Dr. Bhawana Asnani.
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