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Kompas.com - Living in a crowded big city was bad for health. Recent studies show, the long-term exposure to particle air pollution from traffic can increase blood pressure levels.

In a recent report, the experts from the United States 939 respondents analyze data Normative Aging Study research conducted between 1995 and 2006. Computer system used to estimate the levels of particle pollution exposure to the respondents highway.

More frequently exposed to air pollution particles, the greater the risk of hypertension. The link between air pollution and rising blood pressure may explain the results of several previous studies that found a link between the highway pollution with heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.

High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder than normal so that the heart and blood vessels become damaged. The heart will enlarge and weaken, while the blood vessels become more strict or less elastic. As a result, blood flow
which carries oxygen and nutrients to other organs, such as brain and kidneys, so inhibited.

To prevent health problems, it is advisable to measure blood pressure regularly and consult a doctor. If someone has been declared hypertension, he should reduce salt intake, stop smoking, maintaining ideal body weight, and increasing physical activity or exercise. Hypertensive patients also need to take antihypertensive drugs regularly.