Air pollution is an emerging independent risk factor for heart attacks, even in healthy adults, according to Dr. Himanshu Gupta, an interventional cardiologist. Fine particulate matter and gases like PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and oxidative stress that damage blood vessels. This damage can lead to thickened blood, clot formation, and reduced oxygen to the heart, increasing heart attack risk. Dr. Gupta notes that this silent threat affects individuals regardless of lifestyle choices like diet or exercise.