Why Indoor Air Quality is Essential for Cardiovascular Health

When looking into personal well-being, many people focus on their diet and level of exercise as these are often considered the foundation of good health. However, while diet and exercise are undeniably vital for health, there’s another aspect that people often look over when considering their cardiovascular health: indoor air quality (IAQ). The air we breathe while indoors can have a profound impact on our cardiovascular health, especially when the quality is poor or inconsistent. This article will delve into just why indoor air quality is essential for cardiovascular health, and how poor IAQ can lead to heart problems.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality refers to the air condition within enclosed spaces, whether that is in the home, workplace, or public spaces. The condition of the air is determined by a combination of factors such as air pollutants, humidity levels, temperature, and ventilation.

You may be asking why it is important to have good air quality while indoors. The significance of this becomes apparent when we consider that, on average, people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Whether at home or work, the air we breathe while spending time inside can significantly impact our health.

This includes our cardiovascular health, which is a critical part of a person’s overall well-being due to the heart and blood vessels’ essential roles. These body parts are in charge of supplying oxygen and nutrients to the body’s organs and tissues as they pump blood throughout the body. However, these functions are as delicate as they are complex, and thus are vulnerable to poor air quality, no matter how it was caused.

Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

There are various pollutants, both natural and man-made, that can cause IAQ to significantly drop. Once these pollutants are amassed in a building, especially over a long period of time, they can affect the health of the cardiovascular system, as well as other essential body operations.

The most common pollutants that affect IAQ include:

Particulate Matter (PM) 

Particulate matter refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that are small enough to be inhaled into the lungs. This matter is known to vary in both size and composition, with PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller) being of particular concern. This is because particles of such a fine nature are capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are organic chemicals that can quickly evaporate into the air but still leave lingering effects that may remain in the air long enough to be breathed in. Commonly, these compounds are released from sources like paints, solvents, cleaning products, and furniture, but there are many more that can naturally occur. It has been discovered that prolonged exposure to VOCs can be linked to cardiovascular problems when inhaled for a sufficient amount of time.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes through the ground. It is caused by the decay of uranium, which can be found in plenty of rocks, soils, and even water sources. This makes it difficult to avoid exposure to the gas when there’s poor ventilation in a building. Unfortunately, prolonged radon exposure has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, but it can also affect cardiovascular health as the radiation can reach organs beyond the lungs.

Tobacco Smoke

Perhaps one of the more obvious examples in this list, secondhand smoke from tobacco in an enclosed environment is an indoor air pollutant that contains harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide. Exposure to secondhand smoke can elevate the risk of heart disease and stroke in non-smokers.

The Cardiovascular Impact of Poor IAQ

Now that we know some of the most common pollutants that can affect IAQ, it’s time to learn how poor IAQ actually impacts people’s cardiovascular system.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Inflammation and oxidative stress can occur within the body when exposed to particulate matter and other indoor pollutants. The conditions are known to be linked to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hypertension (high blood pressure), and heart failure.

Hypertension

Over time, exposure to indoor air pollutants, especially fine particulate matter, can increase the risk of developing hypertension. Having such high blood pressure can in turn become a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Endothelial Dysfunction

The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels which plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow and maintaining vascular health. The impairment of endothelial functions by poor IAQ can lead to problems with the cardiovascular system, such as the development of atherosclerosis and blood clot formation. In turn, these conditions increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Heart Rhythm Irregularities

Exposure to indoor air pollutants can also disrupt the electrical signals that control the heartbeat, leading to heart rhythm irregularities. This can be particularly concerning for individuals with preexisting heart conditions, but any form of heart irregularity should be immediately addressed with a cardiologist for your heart’s health.

Worsening of Existing Conditions

For those with existing cardiovascular conditions, poor IAQ can exacerbate symptoms or increase the frequency of health issues. This is particularly noticeable for those who have already been diagnosed with conditions such as heart disease or heart failure.

Preventing Cardiovascular Risks Through Improved IAQ

To help protect your cardiovascular health, it may be time to consider how you can improve your indoor air quality. Some of the best strategies for reducing air pollutants in an enclosed space are:

Ventilation

Although it may seem simple, ensuring that a building has adequate ventilation can significantly dilute indoor air pollutants. By ensuring that your home or workplace has proper ventilation systems, you can significantly reduce the presence of pollutants in the space. You may consider incorporating air conditioning technology or air purification to improve air quality. If you already have such tools, you may need to look into air conditioner repair to restore the functionality of its ventilation properties.

Control Pollutant Sources

If you are aware of your air quality being affected by pollutants, Identify and minimise these sources as soon as possible. This may be done by choosing low-VOC or VOC-free products when painting or renovating, or even avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke. Any effort is beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Humidity Control

Maintaining proper humidity levels in your indoor environment can actually greatly benefit the quality of indoor air. This is because high humidity is known to promote the growth of mould and dust mites, while low humidity can lead to dry air, which can irritate the respiratory system. Finding a middle ground is best for overall well-being.

Regular Maintenance

Making sure to regularly clean and maintain HVAC systems, filters, and air ducts is a simple means of preventing the buildup of dust and allergens. By removing these substances from vents and indoor spaces, the air circulating indoors is sure to be clean and healthy.

Radon Testing

If you live in an area with a known radon risk, consider testing your home for radon levels. Mitigation measures can be taken if high levels are detected.

Smoking Cessation

If you or someone in your household smokes, quitting smoking is one of the most significant steps you can take to improve indoor air quality and protect cardiovascular health. If this is not currently feasible, ensuring that smoking only occurs outdoors and away from the building can help reduce the risks of secondhand smoke indoors.

Indoor air quality is an often overlooked but critical factor in maintaining cardiovascular health. Poor IAQ can introduce a range of pollutants and irritants into our living spaces, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and other cardiovascular risks. To protect our hearts and overall well-being, it’s essential to prioritise clean indoor air by implementing measures such as proper ventilation, pollutant source control, humidity management, and regular maintenance. By recognising the connection between IAQ and cardiovascular health, we can take proactive steps to create healthier indoor environments and reduce the burden of heart disease and related conditions.