It is already well known that Bangaloreans are prone to respiratory ailments such as asthma. Adding to that worry is the discovery that even those who exercise daily and eat healthy may suffer heart problems because of poor environment management.

A research paper presented at the Acute Cardiac Care Congress in Spain last October linked air pollution with increased heart attacks. Studies in the UK have also pointed in that direction.

City cardiologists say pollution could cause changes in the blood and result in the formation of plaque in the arteries of the heart.

Dr C N Manjunath, director of Sri Jayadeva Institute for Cardiovascular Science and Research Hospital, said, “There has been no study in India, but various studies elsewhere have linked heart disease to lead and compounds released by vehicles and industries.”

The annual report from the State Pollution Control Board in 2013 indicates more than a 100 per cent increase in air pollution, particularly on Mysore Road, and around City Market and Yelahanka.

Dr Vijayalakshmi Balekundri, paediatric cardiologist at Jayadeva Hospital, said, “The particulate matter size in the air has to be 2.5 micrometre in diameter. If it is smaller, it poses a heart disease risk.” Particulate matter refers to a complex mix of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. Inhaled through the throat and nose, this matter enters the lungs, and can cause serious lung and heart problems.

Air pollution seems to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the general environment, and those working at construction sites also face similar risks.

A study of 37 papers, published in April 2010 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, says air pollution has become a recognised risk factor for heart failure.

Vaman Acharya, chairman of the board, said the transport department was not doing enough to control air pollution. “We issued 14 guidelines to various stake holders. We asked the BBMP to maintain roads properly as the dust mixes with smoke and causes health hazards,” he said.

In Bangalore, he said, dust contributes 20 per cent to air pollution, and vehicular emission 42 per cent.