“My mornings began with the familiar haze of urban pollution, but over time, shortness of breath and fatigue became my companions”, Anita recalls. Experts warn that climate change, by intensifying environmental exposures, promotes many noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular ones, while air pollution claims millions of lives from heart disease annually.
“The choking on the thick smog from traffic and factories had left a sharp pain in my chest. My doctor explained how fine particles in the air were inflaming my vessels, a risk amplified by warmer temperatures from climate shifts. This sobering truth deepened my reliance on Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble., ” Anita adds.
The Climate-Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease Connection
Many of the health problems associated with heart disease are related to atherosclerosis or the buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries. For those with heart disease, the buildup can result in blood clots, which can block the flow of blood and lead to a heart attack or stroke. ScienceDirect equally highlights how pollution exacerbates cerebrovascular disease, leading to strokes.
How This Works
According to recent research, exposure to increased concentrations of PM2.5 for a few hours to weeks can trigger cardiovascular disease-related heart attacks and death. Moreover, short and long-term exposure has been shown to increase hospitalizations for serious cardiovascular events such as coronary syndrome, arrhythmia, heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death, particularly in people with established heart disease.
People with chronic heart disease may experience one or more of the following symptoms following exposure to fine particulate matter:
- Heart palpitations
- Unusual fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder
Anita’s Renewal
“I reduced exposure by staying indoors on high-pollution days and embracing green spaces. a step that eased my symptoms,” Anita says. The EPA advises that reducing air pollution can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Next Steps
This blend of science and faith restored Anita’s vitality, proving that awareness and change can heal. Take our free heart test at Eyole Heart Nurture, and start the journey to a healthier you today!
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Does Climate Change Cause Cardiovascular Disease?
Climate change worsens heart disease by intensifying pollution and heat, raising blood pressure, as noted by PMC. - How Can Climate Change Cause Air Pollution?
Warmer temperatures trap pollutants, increasing ozone levels that harm heart health, per the EPA. - How Does Air Pollution Cause CVD?
Pollutants inflame vessels and raise blood pressure, leading to heart attacks, as explained by ScienceDirect. - How Does Air Pollution Contribute to Cerebrovascular Disease?
It clogs arteries and causes inflammation, raising stroke risk, according to PMC. - Can Climate Change Affect Blood Pressure?
Yes, extreme heat and pollution from climate change can elevate blood pressure, per the EPA. - How Does Climate Change Cause Respiratory and Heart Diseases?
By worsening air quality and heat stress, it strains the lungs and heart, as noted by ScienceDirect. - Can Climate Affect Heart Rate?
Heat waves can increase heart rate to cool the body, risking strain, per PMC. - What Are the Health Complications of Climate Change?
Health complications of climate change include heart disease, strokes, and respiratory issues from pollution, as warned by the EPA. - How Does Air Temperature Affect Heart Rate?
High temperatures force the heart to work harder, raising rate and risk, according to ScienceDirect. - Why Are Heart Attacks More Common in Winter?
Cold weather constricts vessels, raising blood pressure, a factor noted by PMC.
