The American Heart Association(AHA) warns smoke exposure from the Canadian wildfires heart problems or worsen existing ones.
Smoke from Canada wildfires has rapidly drifted into Michigan, bringing hazardous air quality for residents.
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Studies have linked smoke exposure to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest and a higher volume of visits to local emergency rooms for other cardiovascular disease-related causes.
Investigators found smoke from summertime wildfires that creating short-term spikes in fine particulate matter air pollution is significantly associated with same-day hospitalization for unstable chest pain.
Tips for reducing exposure to wildfire smoke
- Stay indoors with doors and windows closed.
- Use high-efficiency air filters in air conditioning systems or portable air cleaners.
- Avoid exertion.
- Stay hydrated.
- Consider seeking other shelter if your home does not have an air conditioner and it’s too warm to stay inside.
- Be mindful that your pets may also be affected by the smoke and bring them indoors, as well.
According to the AHA a study found that exposure to heavy smoke during wildfires raised the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests up to 70%.
Risk was elevated for both men and women, among adults 35-64 years old and in communities with lower socioeconomic status.
That same study said ER visits increased 42% for heart attacks and 22% for ischemic heart disease within a day of exposure to dense wildfire smoke.
Increase was most notable for adults age 65 and older.
People with underlying cardiovascular disease risk factors may be at risk for an acute cardiovascular event when exposed to wildfire smoke.
How to recognize the signs of a heard attack or stroke
According to The AHA in times of high wildfire smoke exposure, call 911 if you have:
- Chest discomfort. Most people having a heart attack feel discomfort in the center of the chest. It can last more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the: Arms (One or both), back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath. This can happen with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs. Other possible signs include: breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, rapid or irregular heartbeat, feeling unusually tired, or feeling lightheaded
Additionally, knowing and performing CPR can more than double the chance of survival in the event of a cardiac arrest.
While most people in the U.S. are not directly impacted by the physical wildfires burning in Canada, the exposure to this lingering smoke can be extremely harmful.
Click here for more resources from the American Heart Association.