High-pollution may trigger heart attacks

A new study provides evidence that high-pollution days may trigger heart attacks in some people. Elderly and people with existing heart or lung disease are most vulnerable.Studies reveal that people with heart disease and others at risk including the elderly and people with diabetes or high blood pressure are more vulnerable to the harm caused by the air pollution. The evidence of harm is strongest against pollutants known as fine particulate matter. Fine particulate matter is released into the air when wood is burned, car exhaust, home heating and industrial sources like power plants all contribute.Researchers suspect that when particulate matter is inhaled it causes heart problems causing inflammation in the blood vessels and irritating the nerves of the lungs.