Delhi sees spike in heart emergencies after pollution surge: Study

The study observed that hospital admissions rose by 1.8%, 1.2% and 2% with every 10-unit increase in AQI, PM10 and PM2.5, respectively.

Published on: Jan 8, 2026, 05:16:02 IST

By Ridhima Gupta

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A pilot health surveillance study conducted between January and July 2021 has found a clear short-term increase in cardiovascular emergencies in Delhi following spikes in air pollution. The study observed that hospital admissions rose by 1.8%, 1.2% and 2% with every 10-unit increase in AQI, PM10 and PM2.5, respectively. No similar trend was observed in Shimla, where the association was inconsistent and statistically non-significant.

The study covered over 41,000 hospital admissions from selected tertiary care hospitals. (Arun Thakur)

Titled “Piloting surveillance of environmental risks and cardiovascular events in Delhi and Shimla, India, 2021”, the study was recently published in the journal Discover Public Health by Springer Nature.

The study covered over 41,000 hospital admissions from selected tertiary care hospitals, identifying more than 11,000 cardiovascular events in Delhi and nearly 3,900 in Shimla. In Delhi, data showed a significant rise in heart-related emergencies within one day of increased air pollution levels.

According to the findings, cardiovascular events in Delhi increased by 1.8% for every 10-point rise in AQI at a one-day lag. Admissions also rose by 1.2% and 2.0% for similar increases in PM10 and PM2.5, respectively.

Across both cities, myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease were the most frequently recorded conditions. The study, conducted by researchers from the National Centre for Disease Control, the India Meteorological Department and Safetynet, New Delhi, also highlighted differences in patient profiles. Delhi patients were generally younger and more likely to report physical inactivity, high-salt and high-fat diets, hypertension and psychological stress, while tobacco use and solid fuel cooking were more prevalent in Shimla.

The researchers also found no significant difference in COVID-19 status between patients in the two cities during the study period.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ridhima Gupta
Ridhima Gupta is a Principal Correspondent at Hindustan Times, where she covers healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and public health policy. Her reporting centers on Delhi’s major hospitals (AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lok Nayak), the state health department, and emerging medical trends. Ridhima is particularly interested in reporting on healthcare issues through the lens of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Her work often explores the intersection of healthcare and public policy, examining how these factors shape access health care. Based in New Delhi, many of her reports have led to direct government action over the years, in different city. Earlier this year, she completed a media training workshop on the Impact of Extreme Heat on Health, organised by the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), further strengthening her interest in reporting on the intersection of climate change and public health. A postgraduate from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Ridhima has around a decade of experience in journalism. She began her career as a trainee television reporter with Mirror Now in Mumbai and has since worked across multiple cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi, contributing to both print and broadcast newsrooms. She is a recipient of the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022) for her reporting on education, disability, and women’s issues. Before joining Hindustan Times, Ridhima worked with The Times of India, New Indian Express and News18. A native of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Ridhima completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology. And when she is not working as a journalist she likes to paint and go on nature hikes.Read More

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