Millions of people across the UK face a higher risk of stroke and heart failure due to exposure to dirty air, according to new research presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Madrid. The study warns that residents living in the most polluted areas are 27% more likely to develop heart failure and 7% more likely to suffer a stroke compared with those in cleaner areas.
Researchers tracked 299,323 people from 2010 to 2020 using data from the UK Biobank study. They examined exposure to PM2.5 – tiny particles released by cars, industry, and household heating – and compared it with heart health outcomes. PM2.5 particles are about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair, allowing them to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
Higher Risk in Polluted Areas
The findings revealed that people living in the dirtiest 10% of areas faced the greatest health risks. For every one microgram increase in PM2.5 exposure, the risk of heart failure rose by 7% and stroke risk by 3%. Researchers also noted a small increase in heart attack risk, though it was not statistically significant.
The health impact of PM2.5 comes from its ability to trigger inflammation in blood vessels, making them stiffer and more prone to fatty build-up. This can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and over time, a weakened heart that develops into heart failure.
Public Health Warning
Lead author Ghita Housni from Queen Mary University of London said: “We know cleaner air means healthier hearts. This research lays bare the impact of air pollution on public health. Reducing exposure is crucial to lowering the risk of heart failure and stroke.”
The study showed that even after adjusting for lifestyle and demographic factors – including age, sex, ethnicity, education, smoking, and alcohol consumption – the link between PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular disease remained strong.
UK Air Pollution Still Above WHO Limits
Although UK air pollution has fallen by 30% since 2015, levels of PM2.5 still regularly breach World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. On average, the UK experiences 22 days each year when PM2.5 pollution exceeds WHO safety limits.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “There are no safe levels of air pollution. These findings add to growing evidence that poor air quality damages our hearts. Reducing pollution further could save lives and prevent premature cardiovascular disease in future generations.”
Call for Stronger Action
Health experts say more robust public health strategies are urgently needed to prioritise cardiovascular protection and tackle air pollution at its source. Despite progress since 2021, scientists argue that current UK safety limits remain too high compared with WHO targets.
For millions of Britons, the research underscores an uncomfortable reality: the air they breathe may be silently damaging their heart health.
