Impact of Air Pollution on Heart Health in Kolkata

Are you feeling breathless during your morning walks?
Ever wondered why heart issues are rising—even among young adults?

A recent study published by MDPI highlights a troubling reality: Kolkata’s air is among the most polluted in India. Fine particles, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide are affecting more than just the lungs—they’re damaging hearts too. In 2023, doctors in Kolkata reported a sharp rise in sudden cardiac arrests, even among individuals with no prior heart conditions. One leading cause? Air pollution. Shocking, but true. (Source)

How is air pollution in Kolkata increasing the risk of heart diseases?

Kolkata’s air quality has been worsening. During Diwali 2023, Kolkata became the most polluted metro city in India. PM2.5 levels soared to dangerous highs. These fine particles enter your bloodstream through your lungs and reach your heart.

Cardiologists from the city confirm a direct link between air pollution and cardiac ailments. Some patients experienced heart attacks without blocked arteries. This is due to pollution-induced coronary spasms — a condition where arteries tighten suddenly, cutting off blood flow to the heart.

From January to March 2024, Kolkata’s AQI stayed in the ‘very unhealthy’ range (195–271). Prolonged exposure to such air increases the risk of heart failure, arrhythmia, and strokes.

PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, and CO are the silent killers here. They create oxidative stress, damage blood vessels, and reduce oxygen supply. Over time, they accelerate plaque build-up in arteries.

Kolkata’s poor urban planning and rising vehicle numbers (with only 6% road space) worsen the situation. Combine this with winter smog and firecracker pollution, and you get a toxic mix.

Harmful Pollutants in Kolkata That Directly Impact Your Heart

Here’s what’s in the air — and why it’s dangerous:

1. PM2.5 and PM10 (Particulate Matter)

• These are tiny particles suspended in the air.
• They are small enough to enter your lungs and bloodstream.
• They cause inflammation in arteries and raise blood pressure.
• They also increase the risk of heart attacks.

2. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)

• A gas released from vehicles and industrial activities.
• High exposure leads to vascular dysfunction and arterial stiffness.
• It triggers inflammation and disrupts normal heart rhythm.

3. Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• CO binds with haemoglobin, reducing oxygen supply to the heart.
• It can cause arrhythmias and chest pain, even in healthy individuals.

4. Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)

• Mainly from industrial emissions.
• It worsens pre-existing heart conditions and contributes to cardiac stress.

Vulnerable Groups at Higher Risk of Heart Problems Due to Pollution

Air pollution does not affect everyone equally. Some people are at greater risk of heart-related complications.

1. Elderly Citizens

• Their bodies have weaker immunity. 
• Chronic exposure can worsen existing heart conditions like angina or arrhythmia.

2. Children and Teenagers

• Their lungs and hearts are still developing.
• Early exposure may increase lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Pregnant Women

• High PM2.5 levels can impact both maternal and foetal heart health.

4. Slum Dwellers and Low-Income Families

• Many live in congested areas and cook indoors with kerosene.
• They are exposed to both indoor and outdoor air pollution, increasing risks.

5. People with Pre-Existing Conditions

• Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or previous heart issues are more likely to suffer complications.

Tips to Protect Your Heart from the Effects of Air Pollution

You cannot control the air outside. But you can protect your heart with smart choices. Here are some easy and effective tips for heart health:

1. Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI)

Avoid outdoor activities when AQI is high.
Stay indoors during early mornings and late evenings in winter.

2. Wear a Certified N95 Mask

It filters out fine particles like PM2.5 and reduces inhalation of toxic gases.

3. Use Indoor Air Purifiers

Keep indoor air clean. Avoid smoking or burning incense sticks indoors.

4. Get Regular Check-Ups and Tests for Heart Health

Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and ECG regularly.
Early detection can save lives.

5. Eat Right – Good Food for Heart Health

Add antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts, and leafy greens.
Avoid fried, salty, and processed food.

6. Exercise for Heart Health

Practice indoor workouts, yoga, or breathing exercises.
30 minutes a day can boost your heart’s resilience.

7. Stay Hydrated and Sleep Well

Good hydration helps detoxify your body.
Quality sleep keeps your heart functioning well.

8. Avoid Morning Walks on High Pollution Days

Many sudden heart attacks happen during winter morning walks.
Check the AQI before heading out.

How can collective action improve air quality and heart health?

You are not alone in this fight. Community action is key to reducing the impact of air pollution on human health.

• Support Clean Transport Initiatives: Use public transport or carpool. Push for electric vehicle adoption.
• Raise Awareness :Educate others on the impact of air pollution on human health.
  Participate in community clean-air drives.
• Advocate for Green Urban Planning: Push your local leaders to increase green spaces.
  More trees = better air = healthier hearts.
• Reduce Use of Firecrackers and Burning Waste: Both are major contributors to pollution.
  Avoid them during festivals or find eco-friendly alternatives.
  • Encourage Regular Health Check-Ups: Promote preventive health practices in your community.
    Offer workshops on how to improve heart health.

Final Words 

Air pollution in Kolkata is no more limited to coughs and colds. It’s a silent killer for the heart. Whether it is a case of sudden cardiac arrests or of long-term cardiovascular damage, the effects of air pollution on human health have firmly become a reality.

We can not undo pollution in one night, but we can defend ourselves, and we must insist on the best. With wise individual decisions and collaboration, we can cause harmful health risks as well as breathe with ease. Nice fresh air is what your heart needs. Together, we can do it.

FAQs

Can exposure to PM2.5 increase the risk of heart attacks?

True, PM2.5 may make its way to the blood, inflaming it and providing arteries with spasms, which raises the risk of heart attacks most substantially.

How does Kolkata's Air Quality Index (AQI) correlate with cardiovascular disease rates?

Healthcare experts in Kolkata confirm that higher AQI levels, particularly in the winter and on the occasion of festivals, increase the incidences of cardiac problems such as heart attacks and heart dysrhythmias.

Are there specific times of the year when air pollution poses a higher risk to heart health?

That is, yes, during winter months and festivals such as Diwali pollution is higher and thus such months are more harmful to the heart when the air is stagnant and the amount of PM 2.5 is high.

How does long-term exposure to air pollution contribute to chronic heart diseases?

Long-term exposure leads to sustained inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and plaque build-up in arteries, increasing the risk of hypertension, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.