A recent study found long-term exposure to air pollution increases an individual’s risk of reoccurring heart attacks. According to researcher Dr. Yariv Gerber of Tel Aviv University’s School of Public Health air pollution negatively impacts cardiac illnesses and can prompt repeat episodes.
Patients who participated in the study and lived in high pollution areas were 40 percent more likely to have a second heart attack compared to those living in low level regions, reports the source.
"We know that like smoking cigarettes, pollution itself provokes the inflammatory system. If you are talking about long-term exposure and an inflammatory system that is irritated chronically, pollution may well be involved in the progression of atrial sclerosis that manifests in cardiac events," said Gerber, according to Science Daily.
Homeowners, especially those with a history of cardiac illness, can purchase a home air purifier to reduce their exposure to harmful pollutants. Fine particulate matter, soot and smog - all common air pollutants - are unavoidable for many Americans. Therefore, purchasing a unit such as the IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier is an investment in good health.