It may come as a surprise but, air pollution does not affect your lungs but also your heart. This was an inference drawn from a study undertaken by researchers from University of Sydney.

The scientists said even short-term exposure to low levels of pollution is associated with a higher risk of sudden heart problems, especially amongst older people, and people with history of heart disease.

The researchers found that over 90% cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest occurred at PM2.5 levels lower than World Health Organisation guideline, a daily average of 25 micro-grams per cubic meter. The study showed an association between out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and exposure to gaseous pollutants such as those from coal burning or mining, bushfires and motor vehicles.

The study  provides comprehensive evidence of relationship between PM2.5 and cardiac arrests, using a sample three times larger than all previous research combined, and demonstrating impacts on groups such as the elderly.