Air pollution linked to stroke risk

Air pollution linked to stroke risk

(CNN)Research suggests that inhaling polluted air increases heart rate and blood pressure. CNN's Elizabeth Cohen reports.

Researchers are finding pollution not only makes it hard to breathe, dirty air can also raise your risk of stroke: the third leading cause of death among Americans. In the study of over 150, 000 cases of stroke, Harvard scientists identified a 1% higher risk for the most common type of stroke on days with high air pollution. One percent may not sound like a lot, but 700, 000 cases of stroke are expected this year in the US. That 1% can contribute to thousands of additional life threatening incidence(发生率，发病率：在某一时期内发生特定疾病的新病例数。).

"We have confirmatory evidence of what we thought that air pollution does in fact have severe long-term health effects on the population across the United States. "

Researchers are not sure yet how pollution contributes to stroke , they suspect that inhaling solid particles in the air changes blood clotting patterns and increases heart rate and blood pressure. Those of the same cardiovascular effect's responsible for another known risk factor linked to air pollution - - heart disease. Recent studies show that high levels of air pollution can raise the risk of heart attacks by up to 50%.

"The thing about air pollution is that it is so pervasive and that people really don't have any choice, but to breathe the air. "

So what can you do to protect yourself from the noxious air out there? Here are some tips: No 1 , reduce your exposure. Stay indoors as much as possible on days when it is hot and humid, especially when the EPA's air quality index indicates unhealthy levels of air pollution in your area. If you do have to venture out, avoid early morning and late afternoon rush hours, that is when air particle concentrations are at their peak. When you exercise outdoors, stay away from workout locations close to heavy traffic. At home, turn on your air conditioning unit and keep the windows closed. And finally, consider using an air purification machine, with a HEPA filter in your bedroom when you sleep at night.

These tips are especially important when people have existing cardiovascular or respiratory problems. But they can help every one of us breathe a little easier.

Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Atlanta.

So what can you do to protect yourself from the noxious air out there? Here are some tips: No 1 , reduce your exposure. Stay indoors as much as possible on days when it is hot and humid, especially when the EPA's air quality index indicates unhealthy levels of air pollution in your area. If you do have to venture out, avoid early morning and late afternoon rush hours, that is when air particle concentrations are at their peak. When you exercise outdoors, stay away from workout locations close to heavy traffic.

At home, turn on your air conditioning unit and keep the windows closed.

And finally, consider using an air purification machine, with a HEPA filter in your bedroom when you sleep at night.