Pollution from fires is terrible for vascular health; understand more about its harms and how to take care of yourself on a daily basis
Everyone already knows that the burned they reached an atypical level in Brazil in 2024, right? And, with the smoke that is generated due to this practice, several health problems also appear, including those related to it vascular problems.
“In areas where pollution is more concentrated, cases of arrhythmias, hypertension and atherosclerosis increase. The incidence of cardiac arrests and strokes also increases”, explains Fábio Rocha, vascular surgeon and angiologist.
The doctor also warns that when polluting particles come into contact with a person’s respiratory system, they can also enter the bloodstream, causing serious inflammation in vital organs, such as the heart and brain, as well as affecting blood vessels.
Below, better understand how wildfire pollution affects vascular health and how to protect yourself:
Pollution and vascular diseases
Stroke and heart attack are just some of the problems caused by the negative effects of pollution on people’s vascular health. This is what says research published by King’s College University of London, England.
“If a person is exposed to air pollution in the short term, this can cause, for example, hypertension, stroke and heart attack. In the long term there is also a risk of hypertension and heart attack, but the risk of developing atherosclerosis, the heart failure and arrhythmias are maximized”, explains Fábio Rocha.
It is thought that air pollution can also influence the risk of blood clots. However, this has not yet been proven by scientific methodology.
How to protect yourself
Fábio Rocha explains that, when it is not possible to leave the polluted area, the most important actions a person should take are:
- Avoid places with fires
- Avoid doing physical activity outdoors on days with low air humidity and on days with many particles suspended in the air
- If necessary, use face masks
- Be well hydrated
- Finally, if you are a smoker, quit smoking
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
