The Effects of Living in a Metropolitan City on the Heart Health
Living in a metropolitan city can be exciting, with access to top-notch amenities, cultural experiences, and professional opportunities but along with the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan city comes major effects on one’s health, particularly the heart. Pollution, overcrowding, and stress levels — all play an important role when it comes to overall cardiovascular health. From poor air quality due to vehicular emissions to high blood pressure caused by traffic congestion; living in cities has been linked to cardiac ailments like coronary artery disease and even stroke.
“The disorders don’t cease at physical ones but also influence one emotionally and their sentimental psyche, the major and most apparent effect of habitation in such an atmosphere is boosted stress levels due to the fast pace of life. With all the different stimuli coming from constantly changing surroundings, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with work and responsibilities as well as feel isolated or out of touch with those around you.”, says Aditi Jagtap Pune, Director of Ram Mangal Heart Foundation.
In this blog, we will explore the effects of living in a metropolitan city on the heart and what steps we can take to protect our cardiovascular health :
1. a) Air pollution: Metro cities are notorious for their poor air quality. High levels of particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur dioxide can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. According to a study published in the Lancet, exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Inhaling pollutants can cause inflammation in the lungs and bloodstream, leading to the narrowing of blood vessels and an increased risk of blood clots. Long-term exposure to pollution can also lead to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
1. b) Health of Children: Also concerning are microorganisms found airborne like fungal spores whose composition has changed over time as human development speeds up thus increasing their invasiveness and leading to even greater health risks that tend overlooked for children, especially those who play outside without proper precautionary measures taken usually because of unawareness about consequences or lack thereof.
2. Stress: Living in a fast-paced metro city can be stressful, with long work hours, traffic jams, and crowded public spaces. Chronic stress can increase the levels of cortisol, a hormone that can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. Stress can also lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating, smoking, or drinking alcohol, which can further damage the cardiovascular system.
3) Sedentary lifestyle: Many jobs in metro cities require sitting for prolonged periods, which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels, all of which increase the risk of heart disease. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to insulin resistance, says Aditi Jagtap, Dr Ranjit Jagtap Daughter, an extolled Cardiologist. This insulin resistance leads to the development of type 2 diabetes, a condition that further increases the risk of heart disease. Added to that is the dependence people develop on ordering fast and unhealthy food made convenient by apps which encourage the intake of sodium and several other preservatives which negatively impact one’s heart adversely.
Several studies have similarly correlated various kinds of negative impacts on one’s health due to living in densely populated cities; namely concerning matters such as higher blood pressure and breathing difficulties associated with poor-quality input oxygen. Aditi Jagtap Pune says, “these effects are seen more drastically if you live within close proximity or even just behind major busy roads/highways where NO2 emissions tend to reach peak concentrations each day during rush hours.” The good news is there are ways we can make our hearts stronger while also increasing longevity if we live in metro cities! Regular exercise combined with healthy eating habits along with avoiding smoking and drinking will go a long way towards keeping your heart happy and healthy despite life’s everyday challenges. Taking measures such as :
1. Manage stress: Practice stress management techniques such as tai chi, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Try to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, even if it’s just a short walk during lunch breaks.
2. Monitor and improve indoor air quality: Use air purifiers, ventilation systems, and plants to improve indoor air quality. Avoid using products that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as cleaning products or air fresheners.
In conclusion, living in a metro city can have adverse effects on our heart health due to air pollution, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle. However, taking active steps today for better heart health could mean avoiding a host of future medical problems down the line so take charge right now! Don’t wait- listen & act upon what your body needs today because prevention beats cure time after time!
