21d • Stroke Prevention Tips
Could the Air We Breathe Affect Stroke Risk?
Many stroke risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure and diet, can be modified. However, factors in our environment also matter. Air pollution is one of the most important environmental factors that can increase the risk of stroke.
Around 20 years ago, the American Heart Association published its first scientific statement highlighting the association between exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular disease, including stroke.
More recently, the Global Burden of Disease study identified air pollution as one of the important risk factors for stroke worldwide. It estimated that 16.6% of stroke-related disability and premature death was linked to ambient particulate air pollution (1).
Scientists are still learning exactly how air pollution affects the heart and brain. Tiny particles in polluted air can be breathed deep into the lungs, where they trigger harmful changes in the body. These changes can damage blood vessels, raise blood pressure, increase inflammation, and make the blood more likely to clot. Over time, this can increase the risk of stroke (2).
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
In recent years, research has focused on PM2.5, which are tiny particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter.
PM2.5 particles come from many sources, including:
- Road traffic pollution
- Factories and industrial emissions
- Burning coal, wood, or oil
- Wildfires
- Commercial cooking
- Dust from roads and soil
Most studies have examined the relationship between the overall amount of PM2.5 in the air and cardiovascular risk. However, the health effects may also depend on what the particles are made of and where they come from. Research suggests that pollution from traffic, industry, burning coal, oil or wood, and dust is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke (3).
Why does this matter?
People who live near busy roads or areas with higher levels of air pollution may be exposed to greater health risks over time. Air pollution may also contribute to conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which further increase stroke risk.
It's important to remember that the greatest impact on stroke prevention still comes from managing the risk factors we can control, including:
- Keeping blood pressure under control
- Staying physically active
- Not smoking
- Eating a healthy diet
- Taking prescribed medications as directed
What can we do?
While we cannot control everything in our environment, we can take practical steps to reduce our exposure:
✅ Check local air-quality forecasts through the UK Government's Defra Air website (https://air-defra.gov.uk)
✅ Choose quieter walking routes away from busy roads whenever possible.
✅ Exercise in parks, green spaces, or other areas away from heavy traffic.
✅ Reduce outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality.
🌫️ Have you ever checked the air quality in your area? Would poor air quality change where or when you choose to walk, run, or exercise outdoors?
References:
- Feigin V, Abate M, Abate Y et al. Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, The Lancet Neurology, 23, 973-1003
- Rajagopalan S, Brook RD, Salerno PRVO, et al. Air pollution exposure and cardiometabolic risk. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024 Mar;12(3):196-208. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00361-3.
- Ma T, Knobel P, Hadley M, Colicino E, et al.Source-Specific PM2.5 and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Mortality. NEJM Evid. 2024 Dec;3(12):EVIDoa2400182. doi: 10.1056/EVIDoa2400182.
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Could the Air We Breathe Affect Stroke Risk?
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