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Have Heart Disease? Steps You Can Take to Reduce Health Effects from Air Pollution
Studies show that air pollution can trigger heart attacks, strokes and worsen heart failure in people who are at risk for these conditions. If you have a heart condition, you could benefit by reducing your exposure to high levels of air pollution.

Are you at risk?

Air Pollution Levels can be high

Any time of year When weather is calm Near busy roads In urban areas In industrial areas When there is smoke

Greater risk if you have or have had: Coronary artery disease Angina (chest pain) A heart attack Bypass surgery or an angioplasty Heart failure An internal cardiac defibrillator A stroke or transient ischemic attack Blockages in the arteries of the neck or legs
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Air quality

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Check the AQI Daily

Check current pollution forecasts and reports that use the Air Quality Index (AQI) On local TV, radio or newspapers On the Internet at airnow.gov Through the AirNow app for iPhone and Android phones Through free e-mail alerts at enviroflash.info The AQI is a simple color scale that tells you how clean or polluted the air is and provides an advisory health message.

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Steps to Protect Your Heart

When pollution is high, you can reduce the amount of particle pollution you inhale Delay your outdoor activity until the air is cleaner Reduce your activity level (for example, go for a walk instead of a jog) Move your exercise inside Avoid exercising near busy roads To learn more, visit: www.airnow.gov

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Reduce Your Risk

Reduce your overall risk of heart disease and stroke Eat healthy foods Control blood pressure Control cholesterol levels Exercise more (first check with your health care provider) Stop smoking Take aspirin and heart medication as directed Talk to your health care provider about treatment

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For more information, visit www.heart.org www.millionhearts.hhs.gov epa.gov/research/airscience/air-cardiovascular.htm

Learn more about preventing heart attacks and stroke at: www.cdc.gov/heartdisease www.cdc.gov/stroke

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