Researchers have demonstrated that as small particulate air pollution rises in the summer months, so do deaths from heart attacks¹. Rising pollution was clearly a problem, even when it was within EPA limits. The finding is relevant since 1 in 3 Americans lives in such pollution every summer.

The risk from pollution did not exist in the winter – which is well known for other risk factors. Doing exercise you are not conditioned to do, such as shoveling snow, can induce a heart attack in someone who is at risk for one. Lack of sunlight may also alter nutritional status.

To protect yourself, maintain a regular fitness program and a healthy diet.