Rush-hour pollution is a danger to our hearts
OBESE people or those with heart disease, diabetes and asthma should stay indoors during the rush-hour because of traffic fumes, according to experts.
Pollution not only makes existing heart conditions worse but contributes to developing the disease, says a new set of guidelines.
The obese and diabetics may be at higher risk because pollutants are feared to trigger and worsen high blood pressure and impaired insulin sensitivity.
The European Society of Cardiology also urges cutting the use of fossil fuels and advises the young and elderly to avoid pollution hotspots.
Prof Robert Storey blamed air pollution for more than three million deaths worldwide each year.
He said: “It ranks ninth among modifiable disease risk factors and evidence it is associated with cardiovascular morbidity.
“Policy makers urgently need to reduce levels and this should be backed by legislation.”
The paper published in European Heart Journal warns that a third of Europeans in towns are exposed to levels above EU standards.
