Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

Two decades of research have shown that air pollution can trigger heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heart rhythms, particularly in people already at risk for these conditions [1-4]. The fine particles from polluted air can be inhaled and reach deep into the respiratory system, causing systemic inflammation, bronchitis and pneumonia. The increase in systemic inflammation can predispose to endothelial dysfunction and platelet aggregation with an increase in C-reactive proteins, leading to atherosclerosis and carcinogenesis as well as osteoporosis. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be due to athero-thrombosis caused by small particulate matter of 2.5 µm in diameter. Air pollution also decreases heart rate variability which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).