{
  "id": 12370415,
  "title": "Zusammen besonders gefährlich: Ärzte: Feinstaub und Lärm steigern Risiko für Herzprobleme",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/zusammen-besonders-gefahrlich-arzte-feinstaub-und-larm-steigern",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-06T11:33:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/technik/medizin/zusammen-besonders-gefaehrlich-aerzte-feinstaub-und-laerm-steigern-risiko-fuer-herzprobleme/100260117.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Fine particulate matter, night-time traffic noise, and prolonged exposure to heat can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and exacerbate existing symptoms, according to the German Heart Foundation. These environmental stressors are often referred to as \"hidden actors of heart medicine\" by Prof. Thomas Münze, a cardiologist and environmental physician in Mainz. It is difficult to avoid environmental stress, but understanding why it is harmful and what can be done to reduce it is crucial.\n\nNoise pollution from traffic increases the release of stress hormones, leading to sleep disturbances, higher blood pressure, and inflammation. It also damages the inner lining of blood vessels. The combination of noise and polluted air is especially concerning, as both can amplify their harmful effects. This is akin to smoking, as explained by Prof. Thomas Lüscher from Imperial College London in the \"Herz heute\" magazine.\n\nA 2023 study referenced by the heart foundation found that people exposed to high levels of both noise and air pollution had nearly three times the risk of suffering from heart-related events such as stroke or heart attack compared to those with low exposure. Fine particulate matter and other air pollutants are also recognized as significant risk factors for the heart and circulatory system. Extreme heat can also place additional strain on the circulatory system.\n\nIn daily life, experts from the German Heart Foundation recommend reducing strenuous outdoor activities on days with high pollutant levels, or scheduling them for a different time or indoors. In cities with heavy traffic, it is better to avoid jogging or cycling along busy roads and instead seek out parks or green belts, preferably far from the roadside where exposure to exhaust fumes is minimized. Limiting the use of wood and pellet stoves indoors can help reduce fine particulate matter. To minimize nighttime noise, using closed soundproof windows if possible or wearing earplugs can also be beneficial. Ultimately, while traditional risk factors like cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and obesity remain central, environmental influences such as fine particulate matter, noise, heat, and environmental toxins can significantly increase the risk of developing a cardiovascular disease or worsen an existing condition.",
  "summary": "Umwelt-Faktoren sind Teil unseres Alltags und können das Risiko für Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen erhöhen. Wie können wir unser Herz schützen? Was die Deutsche Herzstiftung rät und was Experten sagen.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}