DISEASES-CONDITIONS
Written by Kinkini Gupta | Published : December 13, 2024 8:35 PM IST Air pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, and its effects extend far beyond respiratory health. Emerging evidence reveals a troubling link between air pollution and cardiovascular health in children, raising alarm among public health experts and policymakers worldwide. TheHealthsite.com spoke to Dr. Abhijit Borse, an Interventional Cardiologist at the Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai on air pollution and its link to heart diseases among children. Read on to know the inputs and his advice. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution due to their developing organs and higher rates of air intake relative to their body weight. Pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO ), sulfur dioxide (SO ), and ground-level ozone (O ) are known to penetrate deep into the lungs, entering the bloodstream and causing systemic inflammation. This inflammation is now understood to contribute significantly to cardiovascular issues. Studies indicate that children exposed to high levels of air pollution may show early signs of heart damage, including: More News Increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. Prolonged exposure to poor air quality may increase the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in long run. The effects of air pollution on children's cardiovascular systems may not manifest fully until adulthood. However, the damage begins early, potentially laying the foundation for conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and even heart failure. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution contributes to millions of premature deaths globally, and addressing this crisis is critical to safeguarding future generations. Children living in urban areas or near industrial zones are at heightened risk due to higher pollution levels. Socioeconomic factors also play a role; families with limited resources may be unable to mitigate exposure or access healthcare, exacerbating health disparities. The link between air pollution and children's heart health is a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of environmental neglect. Protecting young hearts from the invisible enemy of polluted air is not just a medical necessity but a moral imperative. By prioritizing cleaner air and healthier environments, we can safeguard the future of our children and the planet. Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today! Enroll for our free updates Thank You for Subscribing Thanks for Updating Your Information None
What’s New
Spotlight
Advertisement
Featured News
Latest From This Week
Popular News
