Though pollution of any kind has negative impacts on not only human beings but also animals, a recent study has shown that air pollution, in particular, can be more responsible for creating heart issues in humans & animals both. Air pollution can lead to higher risks of heart ailments & even stroke.
A recent research that was published in ‘The Journal of Physiology’ at The University of Manchester in the United Kingdom by a set of researchers found out that air pollution not only harms human’s hearts but also the hearts of the marine species & that the underlying mechanisms are also same.
A major cause for increasing heart diseases & strokes are due to Particular Matter (PM) or even through small particles in the air that leads to more air pollution & hence, heart issues. And, according to this, nearly 11,000 heart diseases & stroke deaths in the UK were caused due to air pollution.
The study also showed that PM2.5 is one of the most hazardous types of PM for which the European Union limits were not met by the UK.
A study researcher Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, talked about how air pollution can have dangerous effects on heart & circulatory health & that the study provided potential mechanisms for impaired heart function.
The researchers focused on all vertebrates & more on certain compounds that clings to the surface of PM which is known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) & the amount it has on the PM is linked to the perilous effects of air pollution on the heart.
According to a study senior author at the University of Manchester, Holly Shiels pollution affects everybody on earth & because of the conserved nature of the cardiac function in animals, fish that are susceptible to PAH act as indicators from oil spills & provides cognizance about the impact of PAH & PM air pollution on human health.
Pearson also mentioned that it is vital to reduce air pollution for better heart health & that is the reason why the British Heart Foundation calls for the next government in committing to lower air pollution within WHO limits.
