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Blood clots associated with exposure to harmful substances

Unavoidable encounters with air pollution pose a more significant health risk than previously assumed, according to a 17-year study. This research indicates a substantial increase in the likelihood of developing deep vein blood clots.

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In essence, whether in isolation or otherwise, everyday exposure to air pollution could pose a more...
In essence, whether in isolation or otherwise, everyday exposure to air pollution could pose a more significant health risk than previously understood. Over an extended period of 17 years, this study suggests a strong correlation between air pollution and the increased likelihood of developing deep vein blood clots.

Blood clots associated with exposure to harmful substances

Boosting awareness of air pollution and blood clot risks

Pollution, an ever-present part of our environment, has long been a concern for public health. However, recent research has shed light on the detrimental effects of microscopic pollutants, which can have far-reaching impacts on our wellbeing.

One such harmful substance is lead, which has been linked to heart disease, heart damage, and hardening of the arteries [1]. While water contamination is often associated with lead poisoning, it's essential to note that lead can also be found in food and the air we breathe.

Beyond lead, there are other airborne pollutants that pose a threat. A 17-year study highlighted three such pollutants that, over time, can boost the chances of life-threatening blood clots in veins delivering blood to the heart [2].

Air pollution contributes to venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition in which blood clots develop in deep veins and obstruct blood flow. Examples include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can occur in the legs, arms, or internal organs, and pulmonary embolism (PE), which happens when a blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs [2].

Preliminary findings had suggested a link between air pollution and VTE. However, a recent, detailed study in the U.S. following 6,651 adults between 2000 and 2018 has offered crucial insights into the magnitude of the risk [2].

The study involved participants living in or near six major metropolitan areas: New York, Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. During the study period, 246 participants experienced VTEs. The researchers examined the relationships between the participants and their air pollution exposure levels [2].

They found that fine particles (measuring 2.5 micrometers or less), commonly found in smoke from coal-burning power plants, forest fires, and vehicle exhaust, were associated with a 39% higher risk of VTE in those exposed to higher levels [2].

Exposure to nitrogen and nitrogen dioxide, primarily found in vehicle exhaust, resulted in an increased risk of VTE by 121% and 174%, respectively [2].

In addition to air pollution, other risk factors for VTE include prolonged inactivity, injury or surgery, obesity, smoking, and certain medications such as birth control pills and hormone therapy [4].

Reducing these risk factors can help minimize the incidence of VTE: staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, stopping smoking, and discussing current medications or upcoming surgeries with your doctor [4].

When it comes to air pollution, it may be challenging to avoid the risk entirely. However, focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet can help mitigate the effects of air pollution on blood vessels and vascular function [5].

Inflammation-busting foods, such as olive oil, tomatoes, nuts, green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, and fruits, have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of blood clots [5]. A particularly beneficial option is natto, a traditional Asian dish made from fermented soybeans, as it contains an enzyme known to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and possess fibrinolytic and antithrombotic properties [5].

References:[1] Long term exposure to air pollution linked to blood clots in veins that bring blood to the heart - Science Daily[2] Air pollution is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis - Blood[3] Nattokinase as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy for non-communicable diseases: a review of fibrinolytic, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects - Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy[4] Reducing the risk of VTE - (Edited as requested, original additional information omitted)

  1. Boosting awareness of the detrimental effects of air pollution is crucial in understanding the risks it poses to heart health.
  2. Lead, often found in food, water, and air, is linked to heart disease, heart damage, and hardening of the arteries.
  3. A 17-year study revealed that airborne pollutants can increase the risk of life-threatening blood clots, such as venous thromboembolism (VTE).
  4. Air pollution contributes to the development of VTE by obstructing blood flow in deep veins, leading to conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
  5. Preliminary research suggested a link between air pollution and VTE, but a recent and detailed study has offered clear insights into the magnitude of the risk.
  6. Fine particles in air pollution are associated with a 39% higher risk of VTE, primarily found in smoke from coal-burning power plants, forest fires, and vehicle exhaust.
  7. Exposure to nitrogen and nitrogen dioxide, mainly from vehicle exhaust, results in a significantly increased risk of VTE.
  8. Other risk factors for VTE include prolonged inactivity, injury or surgery, obesity, smoking, and certain medications like birth control pills and hormone therapy.
  9. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in foods such as olive oil, tomatoes, nuts, green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, fruits, and natto, can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of blood clots.
  10. Minimizing exposure to air pollution, staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, stopping smoking, and discussing current medications or upcoming surgeries with your doctor can help minimize the incidence of VTE.

[References omitted from the response]

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