The Heart and Stroke Foundation believes that "Air pollution is now a year-long threat to the heart health of Canadians", while several recent studies have suggested that air pollution from traffic can be harmful for your heart. A 10-month study published recently in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association found changes on the electrocardiograms of 48 patients. The changes suggest that pollution may cause poor oxygen supply to the heart.
WebMD states that the participants in the study were Boston-area heart patients, who wore monitors that checked for ST-segment depression (which can indicate a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the heart), over the course of a year. The study found that when air pollution increased, so did ST-segment depression. This study is only the most recent data to suggest that air pollution can be dangerous. A study last month in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that even low levels of pollution leads to short- and long-term injury to the heart and blood vessels, increases rates of heart disease-related hospitalizations, and can even cause death. The American Heart Association claims on their website that living near high-traffic roads can have an increased risk of death. The Heart and Stroke Foundation already notes on their website that "air pollution has now been identified as a risk factor for heart disease". In addition, the Foundation notes that "Research shows that air pollution can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke", and that "Community planning that encourages walking, biking and public transit use will help lower pollution levels, increase physical activity levels and decrease the risks for heart disease and stroke." (PDF) In its 2008 Report Card - Air Pollution, the Heart and Stroke Foundation notes that only Quebec had higher levels of air pollution than Ontario. This despite the fact that 53% of Ontarians believe that the quality of air in their community is generally good to excellent. However, "like smoking, there are no “safe” levels of air pollution". You can do something about Air Pollution in Ontario: The Heart and Stroke Foundation has made available a letter that you can print and send to your MP, or to the Ministor of the Environment, John Baird - Get the letter
