Why does research suggest the heart is the target organ most immediately vulnerable to PM2.5 infiltration?
Answer
The heart is highly vulnerable due to the systemic inflammation caused by circulating particulates
While air quality concerns often center around visible smog affecting the lungs, research increasingly emphasizes the heart as the most immediately vulnerable organ to the consequences arising from PM2.5 that successfully infiltrates the bloodstream. Once particulates circulate systemically, they initiate widespread oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the vascular system. This compromises blood vessel integrity and increases risks for clotting and blood pressure issues, meaning the cardiovascular system bears the immediate brunt of the systemic distribution effect initiated by the fine particle penetration.
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