Breathing trouble due to air pollution in Hyderabad? Your heart may also be in trouble, say doctors

Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s rising air pollution levels are becoming a significant health concern, creating respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases. Dr Ravi Reddy, a Hyderabad-based cardiologist, speaking to NewsMeter, said that a recent increase in heart attack cases is linked to air pollution.

“We recently treated a 52-year-old man who had no prior heart conditions but suffered a sudden heart attack. His blood tests and lifestyle habits didn’t indicate typical risk factors. However, he had been living in a high-pollution area near Jeedimetla, where air quality was consistently measured in the ‘poor’ category. This case reflects a growing pattern in Hyderabad,” Dr Reddy explained.

“Patients admitted for cardiac events are more likely to have been exposed to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) over the preceding week. Similar trends are being observed across various hospitals in the city,” said Dr Reddy.

How air pollution affects the heart

Air pollution is commonly associated with lung diseases, but experts emphasise that it also has a direct impact on cardiovascular health. PM2.5, the fine particulate matter present in polluted air, can enter the bloodstream and contribute to:

• Inflammation in blood vessels, increasing the risk of clot formation

• Oxidation of cholesterol, leading to plaque buildup

• Higher chances of irregular heart rhythms, which can trigger sudden cardiac arrest

According to a study at Safdarjung Hospital, it is found that a 0.5 increase in particulate matter levels correlated with a rise in heart attack cases. These findings align with reports from Hyderabad’s medical community, which stated that pollution exposure is increasingly linked to cardiac distress.

Vulnerable groups: Who is most at risk?

While air pollution affects everyone, certain groups are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications due to prolonged exposure:

• Elderly individuals with pre-existing conditions

• People with high blood pressure and diabetes

• Outdoor workers, such as traffic police, street vendors and delivery personnel

• Children and young adults with developing cardiovascular systems

Dr Shobha Sharma, a Hyderabad-based pulmonologist, highlighted the cases of autorickshaw drivers in the city. “Many of them complain of persistent breathlessness. Further tests often reveal underlying heart issues caused by daily exposure to high pollution levels,” she said.

Balanagar, Kukatpally and Charminar report high levels of air pollution

According to data from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB), several areas in Hyderabad, including Balanagar, Kukatpally and Charminar, consistently report high PM2.5 levels. Traffic congestion, industrial emissions and construction dust are major contributors to poor air quality.

Rajkumar, a resident of Uppal, shared his experience: “I started experiencing frequent chest tightness despite being physically active. When I moved to a less polluted area on the outskirts, my symptoms reduced significantly. Doctors confirmed that my heart stress levels were linked to pollution exposure.”

Preventive measures: What can be done?

Experts recommend a multi-pronged approach to reducing the health risks posed by air pollution:

• Urban planning improvements, such as increasing green cover and reducing vehicular emissions

• Personal protective measures, including wearing N95 masks in high-pollution areas

• Regular health check-ups, especially for those in high-risk groups

• Strengthening pollution control policies to regulate industrial and vehicular emissions

Dr Reddy advised, “People need to be aware that pollution is not just a lung issue. It is crucial to monitor heart health, especially if you live in areas with poor air quality.”

As Hyderabad continues to expand, addressing air pollution’s impact on cardiovascular health must become a priority. Without proactive measures, the city may witness an even sharper rise in heart-related complications linked to deteriorating air quality.