The unstoppable increase in environmental pollution and the toxic particles present not only in the air but also in water and food, constitute a high risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, as stated by Dr. Rafael Florenciano, cardiologist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

As Dr. Florenciano explains, the increase in polluting particles that occurs in the anticyclonic periods and that do not allow them to disperse but remain suspended in the air for longer, favor the development of thrombi, cause a rise in blood pressure and a vasoconstriction of the coronary arteries responsible for the blood supply of the heart and brain. "All these factors," says the cardiologist, "may be the source of a greater number of myocardial infarctions, arrhythmias and cerebrovascular infarcts. In addition, a high exposure to environmental pollution benefits the rapid progression of arteriosclerotic disease, which causes a greater accumulation of fat in the main arteries. "

The sectors of the population that could be most affected by this phenomenon would be the elderly, those with some type of previous cardiovascular disease or those with some of their risk factors such as diabetics. Dr. Florenciano recommends these patients take preventive measures or avoid exposure on days with the highest polluting index, as well as taking the medication prescribed by the specialist.

Our skin, another one of the big ones harmed by pollution

Air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, oxygen-reactive molecules, ozone or simply tobacco smoke weaken our skin barrier and contribute to skin alteration causing oxidative damage with its consequent premature aging and an acceleration of psoriasis outbreaks or acne.
"Sensitive and atopic skin," says Dr. José María Ricart, head of the dermatology service at Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia and director of the Ricart Medical Instituteo Ricart, "are the most vulnerable to the effects of contaminants and the reduction of humidity. Its effects in the short and medium term give way to the appearance of different dermatological conditions such as xerosis, eczema and peeling, since the skin tends to dryness and redness. In addition, the skin exerts a natural barrier against external agents, a function that increasingly weakens and exposes it to allergic conditions ".

Environmental pollution also affects our capillary health and its contaminating particles cause inflammatory reactions or irritations that cause peeling that favors the appearance of dermatitis or dandruff. The dermatologist highlights the role that pollution plays in the health of everything to the immune system, an important factor in hair health. "The immune system is formed by a vital network of cells and organs that protect the body from infections that cause pathologies," Dr. Ricart explains, "and its alteration can cause a type of autoimmune alopecia whose progress can be slowed down with the treatment prescribed by the trichologist dermatologist to stimulate tissue regeneration and hair follicle growth ".


Labels: hospital quironsalud torrevieja, cardiology, dermatology, rafael florenciano, contamination