Cities Most at Risk for Rise in Heart Attacks as Canadian Wildfires Burn

Newsweek

a day ago

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Some residents of several major cities in the Midwest could face an increased risk of heart attack and stroke as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to descend into the United States this week.
"Exposure to particulate matter air pollution causes inflammation in the lungs. This can manifest as worsening of respiratory symptoms, particularly in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," Dr. Scott Budinger, the chief of pulmonary and critical care in the Department of Medicine at Northwestern University, told Newsweek.
"[E]ven more importantly, exposure to particulate matter air pollution acutely increases the risk of heart attacks or strokes," he added.
Why It Matters
The widespread drift of wildfire smoke from Canada into U.S. metropolitan areas carries significant public health implications. Medical research has documented an association between exposure to fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) and acute increases in heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.
Vulnerable groups, particularly people living with coronary artery disease, histories of heart attacks or strokes, and chronic respiratory illness, are at elevated risk. With urban centers housing millions, the threat is not only environmental but medical, affecting emergency room capacities and potentially increasing mortality rates.
Previous wildfire smoke events, such as those seen in 2023, have already demonstrated the potential for widespread air quality degradation and related health emergencies across city populations.
What To Know
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has degraded air quality across the Upper Midwest for over a week. The smoke has even reached the U.S. Gulf Coast, where it had less of an impact on physical health.
At least eight states were under air quality alerts on Thursday morning, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) AirNow map showing the current Air Quality Index as "unhealthy" in areas such as Chicago, Illinois, and Lansing and Grand Rapids, Michigan. This AQI is unhealthy for everyone to breathe.
A map from the U.S. EPA's AirNow shows cities with unhealthy air quality as of Thursday morning at 11 a.m. Eastern time.
A map from the U.S. EPA's AirNow shows cities with unhealthy air quality as of Thursday morning at 11 a.m. Eastern time.
AirNow
The less severe but still impactful Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI was much more widespread, stretching across parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and into the Northeast, including Maine and New York.
Wildfire smoke contains high concentrations of PM2.5—fine particulate matter that can enter the lungs and bloodstream. Exposure is linked to worsening symptoms in those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but acute cardiovascular risks, including heart attacks and strokes, may be even more pronounced. City populations face greater danger when air pollution is trapped near the surface during stagnant weather conditions.
In some instances, people were asked to monitor themselves for symptoms such as coughing during the poor air quality event. If coughs persist for more than seven days or are accompanied by shortness of breath, people should visit their doctor or seek more urgent care if necessary.
People are urged to remain indoors and keep their windows closed to prevent exposure.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Scott Budinger, the chief of pulmonary and critical care in the Department of Medicine at Northwestern University, told Newsweek: "People who have known blockages in their arteries or a history of heart attacks or strokes and people with chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD should avoid exposure. They should also be vigilant about taking all of the prescribed medications for their disease."
Budinger added: "You can reduce the risk of exposure by staying indoors with the windows closed. Indoor levels of particulate matter air pollution are typically much lower than those outside in a heated or air conditioned home or business—as much as 10 times less. For example, it might be better to take a walk in a health club or mall rather than outside if the particulate levels are high."
An air quality alert issued in Michigan: "It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma. Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices."
What Happens Next
Air quality alerts remained in effect in many cities in the Upper Midwest through the end of the week, with meteorologists forecasting that wildfire smoke could persist for several more days. Public health officials continue to advise at-risk populations in major cities to closely monitor advisories, limit outdoor activities during high-pollution periods, and use indoor air filtration.