How Breathing Can Lead To A Heart Attack & How To Stop It From Happening

Research has shown us that breathing in air with a high level of ambient particulate matter is one of the causes of cardiovascular disease.The particles interfere with the function of the cells that line the arteries and capillaries. In order for our cells to get the blood they need these cells must work at a high level. The function of these cells that is one of the root causes of circulatory disorders from high blood pressure to heart attacks and strokes. The more exposure we have to ambient particles in concentrations commonly found in city life, the greater the likelihood we develop cardiovascular disease. Recently American Heart Association concluded that even short-term breathing in of the particles is capable of triggering acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or worsening heart failure. But how can simply breathing in some particulate matter be so damaging?

Researchers Begin Researching….

This group set out to see if there was a way to prevent the effect that particulate matter has on the function of these blood vessel lining cells.

Scientist took a group of 42 men and women between the ages of 57-59, randomly divided them into three groups. Group one received three grams of olive oil every day. (3 grams is about two-thirds of a teaspoon.) The second group was given three grams of fish oil. Lastly the third group had a placebo. After four weeks, all of the men and women cam back. They were to breathe air containing a high concentration of ambient particulate matter for two hours. Flow-Mediated Dilation method was used to measure each participants endothelial before and after the exposure to the polluted air.

Here’s what they found.

The exposure to the particulate matter caused the greatest decrease in cell function in the placebo group. The fish oil group was better — 29% better. But the olive oil group did the best — a full 61% better than the placebo! The authors of the study concluded “Olive oil supplementation may be an efficacious intervention to protect against vascular effects of exposure to particulate matter.”

I have talked about olive oil before and the news is always good. It’s clearly the best dietary oil. So, don’t hesitate to get some olive oil in your diet every day.  Olive oil is easy to get into your diet, use it on a salad or even to cook veggies.And what about fish oil? Fish oil supplement is different and is extremely important. Check out what I carry it here at the office.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Jack Belitz, DC