Delhi air pollution: Not just lungs, your heart could be at risk too, warns doctor

New Delhi: You wake up, check your phone, see the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400 and still head out for your morning walk. Sounds familiar? For many people in Delhi-NCR, stepping outside despite dangerously polluted air has become almost routine. But doctors warn that treating severe air pollution like just another winter inconvenience could come at a serious cost to your health.

And here’s the scary part, it’s not only your lungs that get hurt. Even if you don’t feel sick right away, your heart, blood vessels and overall health can also be impacted.

AQI above 400: Why your heart is also at risk

In an exclusive conversation with News9, Dr Manav Manchanda, Director and Head of Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, explained why an AQI above 400 should never be taken lightly.

“When I see the AQI crossing 400, my biggest concern is that people often continue with their everyday routines without realising how much pollution they are being exposed to. At this level, air quality is extremely poor and prolonged exposure can have serious health consequences,” the doctor said.

Most of us associate air pollution with coughing, sneezing and breathing difficulties. But the damage doesn’t necessarily stop there. The tiny particles floating in polluted air can travel deep into the lungs when inhaled. Some of these particles are so small that the body’s natural defences struggle to keep them out.

According to Dr Manchanda, exposure to polluted air can trigger inflammation that affects more than just the respiratory system.

“We need to stop looking at air pollution as something that affects only people who already have respiratory illnesses. The impact can be much wider. When we inhale polluted air, fine particulate matter travels deep into the lungs and can trigger inflammation throughout the body. This inflammatory response can affect the cardiovascular system, increase stress on the heart and worsen existing conditions such as hypertension and heart disease,” he explained.

Do not ignore these warning signs

Dr Manchanda explained that respiratory symptoms are often among the earliest signs of exposure, “The respiratory symptoms are often the first to appear. People may complain of a persistent dry cough, throat irritation, chest heaviness, breathlessness and increased mucus production. Some may also experience burning eyes, headaches and unusual fatigue. However, the absence of immediate symptoms does not necessarily mean that the exposure is harmless.”

Pregnant women, children and older people are at greater risk

Serious air pollution affects everyone, but some groups are more vulnerable. Children are a big concern because their lungs are still developing. They may also spend more time outdoors, whether at school, in playgrounds or during sports activities. Older adults, pregnant women and people living with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions also need to be extra careful.

Dr Manchanda said, “I am particularly concerned about children because their lungs are still developing, and they tend to spend considerable time playing outdoors. Older adults, pregnant women and people with existing heart or lung conditions also need additional protection.”

Morning walks during severe pollution?

A morning walk is usually considered one of the easiest ways to stay active. But when the AQI crosses 400, even a healthy habit can become risky.

Dr Manchanda strongly advises against outdoor workouts when pollution reaches severe levels. “At an AQI above 400, I would strongly recommend avoiding outdoor exercise, morning walks and running. Many people believe that exercising outdoors is always beneficial, but during severe pollution episodes, the increased breathing rate can result in greater inhalation of harmful particles,” he told us.

Can N95 masks and air purifiers help?

Dr Manchanda offers practical steps to reduce exposure, especially on days when outdoor air quality is very poor.

“At home, keeping windows closed during periods of heavy pollution, using a suitable HEPA air purifier and avoiding smoking, incense sticks and other sources of indoor smoke can help reduce exposure. If going outside is unavoidable, a properly fitted N95 mask offers protection against fine particulate matter.”

An N95 mask needs to fit properly to offer its intended protection against fine particles. If a mask isn’t tight-fitting, dirty air can leak in around the edges. Likewise, an appropriately sized and correctly used HEPA air purifier can help reduce airborne particles indoors.

When should you seek medical help?

Persistent breathlessness, worsening cough and chest discomfort should not be ignored and medical attention should be sought, especially during severe pollution episodes.

Dr Manchanda warned, “I would also advise people not to ignore persistent breathlessness, chest discomfort or worsening cough. Anyone experiencing severe breathing difficulty or chest pain should seek urgent medical care.”

Are we getting too used to toxic air?

Dr Manchanda summed up the concern in a clear message, “My concern is that we are gradually normalising unhealthy air. We need to recognise that breathing clean air is not a luxury; it is fundamental to our health. Until pollution levels improve, reducing exposure must become a priority rather than an occasional precaution.”