$Unique_ID{BRK00983}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{Could Exposure to Air Pollution Bring On an Angina Attack?}
$Subject{angina exercise pollution}
$Volume{G-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Could Exposure to Air Pollution Bring On an Angina Attack?


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QUESTION:  To help control an angina problem, I have been encouraged to
participate in a regular jogging program, with some success I might add.
However while visiting my son in New York, I was surprised to experience an
attack while at my usual morning run.  Could it have been the exposure to
unaccustomed air pollution that brought on my problem?

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ANSWER:  I believe so, and there are several studies in the medical literature
to back me up.  They indicate that an angina attack, in a susceptible person
may occur from 25 to 32 seconds sooner in city air polluted with carbon
monoxide than it would in pure air.  Exercise increases respiration and the
intake of carbon monoxide which displaces the oxygen from the hemoglobin
molecules in your red cells, and reduces the delivery of oxygen to the heart
muscle.  This brings about the angina attack.  The effect was also
demonstrated on an EKG tracing during the investigations that used treadmill
testing to simulate the conditions.  While the pure air of your native state
is to be desired, you can still carry out your regular exercise activity in
cities by avoiding peak traffic times and choosing locations away from the
cars.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
