Even low levels of air pollution may quietly scar your heart, MRI study finds

Even low levels of air pollution may quietly scar your heart, MRI study finds

Breathing polluted air—even at levels considered “safe”—may quietly damage your heart. A new study using advanced MRI scans found that people exposed to more air pollution showed early signs of scarring in their heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure over time. This damage showed up in both healthy individuals and people with heart conditions, and was especially noticeable in women, smokers, and those with high blood pressure.

Exposure to Air Pollution May Cause Heart Damage

Researchers using cardiac MRI have found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with early signs of heart damage, according to a study published in Radiology.