Regular and prolonged exposure to the levels of carbon monoxide found in cities can seriously affect cardiac function.
A study by CNRS and INSERM researchers published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reveals that urban pollution can be dangerous to your health.
Researchers measured the effects of carbon monoxide on healthy rats. For 14 weeks, they were exposed to pure air and the same level of carbon monoxide that is found in cities.
Those exposed to the carbon monoxide showed a marked difference in their left ventricle and changes in their cardiac function.
Researchers also noted that stress can play an important role in the development of certain serious problems like cardiac hypertrophy, tachycardia and an increased risk of fatal heart attacks.
Now researchers want to find out if this data obtained from rats can be confirmed in humans.