Where you live could be raising your risk of ‘sudden cardiac arrest’

Cutting down on alcohol intake, keeping fit, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and reducing salt intake are all lifestyle changes that can help promote a healthy heart. A new study suggests living in less polluted areas could also help.Conducted by the University of Singapore, the study found that tiny particles of air pollution could trigger heart attacks and cardiac arrests. The particles, known as PM2.5, have been linked to a range of health problems.By studying 18,000 cases of out of hospital cardiac arrests, the team found that 492 of these cases could have been caused by PM2.5. Although this is a small number, it demonstrates the power of air pollution.Speaking to Science Alert, epidemiologist Joel Aik said: ‘We have produced clear evidence of a short term association of PM2.5 with out of hospital cardiac arrest, which is a catastrophic event that often results in sudden death.’Aik added: ‘These results make it clear that efforts to reduce the levels of air pollution particles…and steps to protect against exposure to these particles, could play a part in reducing sudden cardiac arrests in Singapore’s population, while also reducing the burden on health services.’Though a Singapore study, it isn’t just a Singapore problem, it’s a worldwide global health crisis in the making.READ MORE: Acholic stools are ‘the most common’ sign of pancreatic cancer Where you live could affect your risk of a heart attack. (Image: Getty Images)Around the world, pollution levels are rising, and big cities like London and Singapore are seeing rising levels of air pollution. This is bad not just for the planet, but for the cardiovascular systems and health services of every single nation concerned.Alongside this, more and more studies are being published which show a link between air pollution and a series of deadly diseases. In amidst all this the ones likely to feel the choking effects of air pollution are those with cardiovascular conditions such as asthma, or those with weakened immune systems.Furthermore, there is research to suggest that air pollution can increase your risk of other conditions alongside heart attacks, including those associated with carcinogenic lifestyle habits.Earlier this year, researchers from the Francis Crick Institute found that air pollution can cause lung cancer, even in people who haven’t smoked.DON’T MISSThree symptoms appear a month before someone dies from a heart attack [HEART ATTACK]Steatorrhoea is key’ symptom of pancreatic cancer that strikes on loo [CANCER]The ‘first sign’ of high cholesterol hits your legs, warns doctor [CHOLESTEROL] Air pollution could also increase your risk of lung cancer. (Image: Getty) Symptoms of cancer to spot (Image: Daily Express)Doctor Lin added: ‘Even small changes in air pollution levels can affect human health. Some 99 percent of the world’s population lives in areas which exceed annual WHO limits for PM2.5, underlining the public health challenges posed by air pollution across the globe.’The problem of air pollution is set to become more prominent as the climate crisis worsens and the public becomes affected to a much greater degree. In recent weeks this has been brought to the fore both at a national and international level.At an international level, representatives from the world’s major economies appeared at COP27.Meanwhile, protestors Just Stop Oil have been highlighting the impact of the crisis with recent protests on the M25.