Whether from exposure to secondhand smoke, living next to an interstate, cooking from a wood stove, or taking walks alongside busy intersections, most of us are regularly exposed to air pollution.

If a person already has heart disease, air pollution can increase that person’s risk of stroke, heart failure, heart attack, and arrhythmias – even if the exposure is only short-term. The American Heart Association says that long-term exposure to air pollution can be more dramatic and that it increases the risk of death. Air pollution may even be related to high blood pressure and diabetes.

This is not to say that those of us living in towns and cities should never leave our homes! But it’s useful to understand our health risks – what around us that is impacting our health. When we know more, we can make healthier decisions for us and for our families.

The US Environmental Protection Agency, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and American Stroke Association have collaborated on a brochure called “Heart Disease, Stroke, and Outdoor Air Pollution.” In this brochure, they share information about high risk of heart disease or stroke, ways to protect your health, and how to get up-to-date information about your local air quality.

Here are a few tips on how to protect your health – but check out the brochure to learn more!

• If you’re at risk of heart disease or stroke and you plan to exercise more than usual, talk about this with your health care provider.
• Avoid exercising near busy roads or industrial areas.
• Know the warning signs of heart attack and stroke. If you feel symptoms – even if they go away – stop what you’re doing and seek medical help immediately.

For even more information on heart health and protecting yourself from air pollution, visit the EPA’s Healthy Heart site.