Can Air Purifiers Improve Your Lung and Heart Health?

Chuan Jiang, MD, a board-certified pulmonologist and internal medicine physician in Flushing, New York, explains the importance of breathing clean air and how an air purifier can help improve your heart and lung health.

Understanding how your heart and lungs work together

Veins gather “used” blood from throughout your body and return it to the heart, which sends it to your lungs, where it’s refueled with oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. The oxygen-rich blood then travels back to your heart, which pumps it to the rest of your body through your arteries.

If your lungs aren’t functioning properly, it can affect your heart function. For example, if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your lungs may not take in enough oxygen.

This causes your heart to work harder to pump enough blood to compensate for the lack of oxygen. In addition, asthma, sleep apnea, allergies, and other conditions that interfere with your pulmonary function can strain and weaken your heart over time.

Similarly, if you have a heart condition, such as heart failure, it can affect your lung health. When the heart is not pumping blood effectively, it can cause fluid to build up in your lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and reduced lung function.

How air purifiers improve your heart health

Air purifiers clean indoor air by removing harmful particles, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and other pollutants. These devices draw in air and stream it through filters that capture and trap harmful particles. The clean air then goes back into the room.

Studies show that reducing exposure to harmful pollutants can help protect and improve your cardiovascular health. For instance, one study found that using air purifiers in homes with people who have heart disease led to a significant reduction in the number of hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

How air purifiers improve your lung health

Air pollution can have a negative impact on respiratory health, including increasing the risk of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung diseases. Air purifiers can help remove pollutants, such as smoke, dust, and mold, improving lung function and reducing the risk of respiratory issues.

In addition to improving heart and lung health, air purifiers also have other benefits like reducing allergy symptoms, improving sleep quality, and reducing the spread of viruses and bacteria in the air. Air purifiers also help reduce odors in the home, making the air fresher and more pleasant to breathe.

Choosing the right air purifier

When choosing an air purifier, it's essential to consider the size of the room, the type of filter used, and the noise level. HEPA filters are the most effective at removing harmful particles from the air but can be more expensive. Look for air purifiers with a CADR (clean air delivery rate), which indicates how effectively the purifier removes pollutants from the air.

Air purifiers may not heal all that ails you. Still, they offer an excellent way to improve indoor air quality, which can positively impact your cardiovascular and respiratory health.

For pulmonary care that helps keep your lungs (and heart) functioning at their best, schedule a visit with Dr. Chuan Jiang today. Call the office or request an appointment online.