Dr. Bansal’s team recently conducted a study that found a direct link between increases in particulate matter levels and the number of heart attack cases in the following week
Experts are raising alarm over the rising number of heart attacks in India, linking the surge to the country’s worsening air pollution. While air pollution’s detrimental effects on lung health have long been known, recent studies suggest that the toxic air is also taking a significant toll on cardiovascular health.
Public health experts, including Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Medical Superintendent at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, have highlighted that the role of air pollution in heart disease is an under-recognized issue. Speaking at the ‘Illness to Wellness’ summit organized by ASSOCHAM, Dr. Bansal emphasized, “Air pollution kills by way of cardiovascular diseases.” He explained that fine particulate matter, particularly PM 2.5, can enter the bloodstream and cause cholesterol to oxidize. This oxidation can trigger the rupture of plaque in arteries, which may lead to acute heart attacks.
Dr. Bansal’s team recently conducted a study that found a direct link between increases in particulate matter levels and the number of heart attack cases in the following week. For each rise of 0.5 in particulate matter over the preceding week, heart attack cases increased, underscoring the serious impact of pollution on heart health.
In addition to the immediate health risks, long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to a staggering number of deaths in India. A study published in the BMJ reported that outdoor air pollution accounts for over 2 million deaths annually in India, with 30% of those deaths attributed to heart disease.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in India, with increasing cases of obesity adding to the burden. Obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension, diabetes, and cancer — conditions that contribute significantly to cardiovascular problems. To combat this growing crisis, the Indian government has launched initiatives like Fit India, Khelo India, POSHAN Abhiyan, and Eat Right India. These campaigns aim to promote physical activity, healthier eating habits, and overall wellness. Dr. Manoj Kumar Jha, Additional Medical Superintendent at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, urged individuals to adopt small lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and prioritizing preventive healthcare through regular check-ups.
The experts agree that tackling air pollution and promoting healthier lifestyles are crucial steps toward reducing the burden of heart disease in India. With both air pollution and heart disease on the rise, addressing these issues is now more urgent than ever.
