Car fumes increase risk of heart attack

Breathing heavy traffic fumes can trigger a heart attack, according to family health experts in the UK.

Published in the British Medical Journal, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) study found that heart attack risk is increased for around six hours following exposure to exhaust fumes.

Scientists found that repeated exposure is particularly bad for family health, substantially shortening life expectancy.

Professor Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director at the BHF, said vehicle exhaust gases can “thicken” the blood, making it more likely to clot and cause a heart attack.

“Our advice to patients remains the same – if you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, try to avoid spending long periods outside in areas where there are likely to be high traffic pollution levels,” he added.

Recent research published by the American Heart Association found that men have an increased risk of high blood pressure if they do not get sufficient sleep at night.

Posted by Libby Ward