As we lock up our windows and blast heat throughout our homes during these cold winter months, dust is settling all around us. Exposure to dust can cause health issues ranging in severity, from a simple cough to extreme wheezing or even choking. Dust can even be the cause of heart failure. As we gear up for the new year, take the time to educate yourself on the dangers dust poses to your heart health and what measures you can take to prevent them.
Heart Disease. If you work or live in an area where dust is present, these conditions can make it harder for your lungs to do their job correctly. When your lungs have to work harder, your heart has to work harder, too. As you take in air, finer dust particles can settle in your lungs and cause your heart to flare up, increasing your risk of a heart attack.
Cardiomyopathy. This is a fatal condition that causes the heart to deteriorate. Those who live with an existing heart disease can experience worsened symptoms when exposed to dust.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). COPD is a lung disease that is made deadly by the presence of dust. A lung disease that involves emphysema and chronic bronchitis, COPD is extremely dangerous when mixed with exposure to dust that can cause tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, and coughing.
Asthma. Asthma is another chronic condition that can cause tightness in the chest, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
If you suffer from heart disease already or are worried about developing a heart problem, there are preventative steps you can take to prevent the health problems associated with dust.
- Wear protective gear. If you’re entering an area where dust and debris are present, defend your lungs by wearing goggles and face masks.
- Refresh the air. In a dusty space, open the windows as often as possible. This is especially important if renovations are going on in your home or office. Leave windows and doors open to circulate old air with new. If you have a fan handy, place it in the window (facing outward to create a sort of vacuum) to speed up the process.
- Get rid of dust effectively. When you see dust, sprinkle water over it to prevent it from spreading. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the dust up – paper towels will only spread the mess around; microfibers will trap the most debris.
- Start your new year right – with a fresh take on heart health! Take preventative measures to stop these issues from developing. Take preventative measures and follow these tips to help stop these dust-related issues associated with heart disease from developing.
This post brought to you by TuffWrap, interior protection contractors and dust containment experts.