Air Purifiers May Lower Heart Attack Risk
Researchers suggest that using an air purifier at home could potentially decrease the likelihood of heart attacks.
There’s been a well-documented connection between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases, especially among those living near heavily trafficked roads.
Particles from vehicle exhaust and tire wear can make their way indoors, exposing residents to harmful substances. Once inhaled, these particles enter the bloodstream, which has been linked to higher risks of issues like hypertension, inflammation, irregular heartbeats, and the buildup of arterial plaque.
In the UK, air pollution is identified as the leading environmental risk factor for heart and circulatory diseases, reportedly contributing to about 14,000 deaths annually.
However, scientists from the University of Connecticut believe portable air purifiers might help mitigate this issue.
In a study, 154 adults living near highways were divided into two groups. One group received a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier for their homes, while the other was given a unit without a filter, rendering it ineffective.
After a month, the groups swapped their purifiers.
Blood pressure checks and surveys were conducted at both the beginning and the end of each testing period.
Participants with initially elevated blood pressure noticed a drop while using the HEPA filter. In contrast, those who used the non-functional purifier experienced an increase in their blood pressure during the same timeframe.
Dr. Douglas Brugge, chair of Public Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut and lead researcher, remarked, “This study adds to the growing body of evidence that straightforward interventions, like home air filtration, can enhance heart health for at-risk individuals.”
According to the British Heart Foundation, 96% of people in England are exposed to air pollution levels surpassing World Health Organization guidelines, with those in economically disadvantaged areas facing even greater risks.
