Report: Even short-term exposure to smog can damage the heart and blood vessels

Even short-term exposure to smog can affect cardiovascular function, exacerbating heart failure or causing arrhythmias, according to a report by the Polish Cardiac Society. Among developed countries, Poland is among the top countries in terms of smog-related deaths.

A team of scientists from Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce co-authored a report on the impact of air pollution on the circulatory system. The study was led by Professor Janusz Sielski and represents the official position of the Prevention and Epidemiology Section of the Polish Cardiac Society.

As Prof. Sielski told PAP, the research team from Kielce, in cooperation with scientists from centers in Warsaw, Gdańsk and Białystok, showed that smog has a direct impact on the development of diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, heart rhythm disorders (including atrial fibrillation), acute coronary syndromes and strokes.

The main risk factor in polluted air is suspended particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers, known as PM2.5. "They affect the body from the very beginning, not only from birth, but even the pregnant woman and the unborn child," the professor noted.

The report also describes the biological mechanisms that explain the impact of pollution on the circulatory system. Air pollution causes inflammatory reactions in vessels, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which contributes to the development of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiac arrhythmias.

The study also highlights the dangerous effects of toxic heavy metals present in the air, such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper, and nickel. Arsenic and lead are considered risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that exposure to arsenic can lead to left ventricular remodeling, while lead—at higher concentrations—increases blood pressure by blocking smooth muscle calcium channels. Cadmium and copper increase oxidative stress and inflammation, deepening blood vessel damage and increasing the risk of heart attack.

Experts also point out that smog doesn't only have long-term effects. "Of course, this longer exposure is definitely unfavorable and increases the risk of acute coronary syndrome. But momentary exposure, resulting from significant exceedances, for example during winter, is also significant. There are studies showing that these momentary, small, single-day exceedances significantly affect cardiovascular function, exacerbating heart failure and arrhythmias," the scientist said.

The report also includes a practical section – recommendations for the healthcare system and patients. These include the development of modern apps that provide information on current air quality and recommendations for people with heart disease, as well as guidelines for doctors, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists on limiting patient exposure to polluted air.

"First, we need to assess the risk. If we are completely healthy and young, the risk will be different than for patients who are ill, with chronic cardiovascular disease. Recommendations include trying not to leave home when air pollution is at its highest. However, at home, we should equip ourselves with filters that eliminate air pollution and improve its quality. Health-promoting and sporting activities, such as running or training at outdoor gyms, should be coordinated with the current air quality," he said, noting that it's worth using current data, such as those from the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection.

The recommendations also include solutions for local governments, from modernizing home furnaces and limiting the burning of solid fuels to controlling transport emissions. Professor Sielski emphasizes that effective prevention requires cooperation between healthcare providers, local government authorities, and citizens.

The document took over a year to develop and included analysis of hundreds of international studies. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) presented in the report, air pollution is responsible for 6.7 million deaths annually, accounting for one in eight deaths globally. Poland ranks first among OECD countries (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development – ​​a group of 38 developed and democratic countries) in terms of premature deaths attributed to smog – 732 deaths per million inhabitants, compared to the OECD average of 275. (PAP)

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