New evidence from large pollution studies, suggest that not only is pollution bad for our lungs, but recent reports suggest it may contribute to blood clots. The clotting of the blood increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The research points to a particular immune system compound that is secreted when pollution enters the lungs. This immune system compound is interleukin-6, which helps the blood to clot. This is not good for individuals with a history of heart problems or those with family history of strokes and heart attacks. In particular a study out of the New England Journal of Medicine reported that individuals breathing diesel fumes were less likely to recover after heart attacks and to not be able to break down clots. Previous research has looked at this problem in mice and found that pollution increased the likelihood that clots would form. The mice in fact produced an abundance of interleukin-6 just twenty-four hours after being exposed. Now researchers are wondering if aspirin can counteract the effects of interleukin-6 and help prevent heart attacks and strokes even after exposure to harmful pollutants. Aspirin has been the drug of choice for many who have heart problems, and is used to thin the blood.
Now that there is evidence that pollution has a direct link to heart attacks and strokes, a way to solve this is desperately needed. These particular studies might explain why seemingly healthy individuals, with good nutritional habits and no family history of heart problems, are having strokes and heart attacks. Now that a particular immune system compound has been identified as interacting negatively with the pollutants in the air, a treatment or preventative measure may not be far away. Many people already have the cards stacked against them when it comes to family history of heart problems, the last thing we need is the air we breathe to be increasing this risk.
Jennifer Collins
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSN2042863220070920?sp=true
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