Experts Link Rising Heart Attacks in India to Air Pollution

New Delhi: Public health experts have raised alarms over the rising cases of heart attacks in India, attributing the trend to worsening air pollution levels. Speaking at the 'Illness to Wellness' summit organised by ASSOCHAM, experts highlighted how poor air quality is not just harming respiratory health but also significantly contributing to cardiovascular diseases.

“Most people associate air pollution with lung-related problems, but its impact on heart health is equally alarming,” said Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Medical Superintendent at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital. He explained that tiny air pollutants, especially Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, triggering serious heart conditions. “PM2.5 has the potential to oxidise cholesterol, causing plaque formation in arteries, which may rupture and lead to acute heart attacks,” he added.

Supporting this, Dr. Bansal referenced recent research conducted by his team, which revealed a clear link between increased PM2.5 levels and a spike in heart attack cases. “Even a 0.5 rise in particulate matter over the previous week correlated with a surge in heart attacks,” he noted, urging immediate interventions to control air pollution and reduce its deadly cardiovascular effects.

Additionally, a study published in the BMJ underscores the gravity of the issue, reporting that outdoor air pollution is responsible for over 2.18 million deaths annually in India, with nearly 30% of these deaths linked to heart disease.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of mortality in India, further compounded by rising obesity levels. Experts warn that obesity increases the risk of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cancers — all of which exacerbate heart disease.

To combat these growing health challenges, the government has introduced initiatives such as Fit India, Khelo India, POSHAN Abhiyan, and Eat Right India. Dr. Manoj Kumar Jha, Additional Medical Superintendent at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, emphasised adopting healthier lifestyles. “Simple steps like eating balanced meals, staying physically active, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and regular health check-ups can go a long way in preventing heart disease,” he said.