Wildfire Smoke and Your Heart Health
You may have noticed it lately—the sky tinted a milky white, sunrises and sunsets burning a deeper red than usual. The distant horizon looks hazy, almost out of focus. And if you’ve stepped outside early in the morning or late at night, you might have caught the faint scent of woodsmoke in the air. These are more than just quirks of the weather, they’re signs of wildfire smoke, and they could have serious implications for your health.
This summer, Upstate New York has once again faced days of poor air quality, as wildfire smoke from distant regions drifted into the region and settled across the landscape. These hazy skies are becoming more common—and more dangerous.
While it may feel like something you can simply ignore or “get through,” exposure to wildfire smoke can have immediate and long-lasting effects on your health, especially if you live with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or chronic respiratory illness.
As cardiology providers, we want our patients to understand the risks of wildfire smoke and what steps to take when air quality drops.
What’s in Wildfire Smoke?
Wildfire smoke contains a mix of harmful gases and solid particles, but the most dangerous component is fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. These particles are 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter, about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair—and are easily inhaled deep into the lungs. From there, they can pass into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body.
Also present in wildfire smoke are carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other combustion byproducts. These substances can irritate the respiratory system, increase inflammation, and elevate cardiovascular risk, even in healthy individuals.
Why Your Heart Is Affected
Although many people associate air pollution with asthma or other lung diseases, the cardiovascular system is often the first to feel the impact of wildfire smoke. PM2.5 particles are especially dangerous to people with heart conditions because they can:
Trigger systemic inflammation
Contribute to plaque instability in arteries
Increase the likelihood of clot formation
Elevate blood pressure
Disrupt normal heart rhythms
Even short-term exposure can raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac events in people with existing cardiovascular conditions.
One large study conducted in California showed a measurable increase in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests on days with high levels of wildfire smoke, particularly in people over the age of 65 and those with chronic illness¹.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The people most vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke include:
Individuals with coronary artery disease, hypertension, or heart failure
Older adults (especially those over age 65)
People with diabetes, COPD, or asthma
Children, due to their developing lungs and faster breathing rates
Pregnant individuals, who may be at greater risk of cardiovascular strain
Even healthy people may experience symptoms during high-smoke days, such as fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort.
How to Protect Yourself When Air Quality Is Poor
Here are five concrete actions to help reduce your risk when wildfire smoke affects the region.
1. Track Air Quality Every Day
Air Quality Index (AQI) values help you understand the risk level from air pollution. You can find this information from your local news, weather apps, or government alerts.
AQI 0–50: Good
AQI 51–100: Moderate
AQI 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
AQI 151–200+: Unhealthy for everyone
If the AQI is above 100, people with heart disease or lung conditions should limit outdoor activity, especially exercise or physical labor.
2. Stay Indoors with Clean Air
On smoky days:
Close windows and doors
Use air conditioners with the recirculation setting
Avoid burning candles, incense, or smoking indoors
Use a HEPA filter air purifier, if available
Creating a designated “clean air room” with a purifier can help reduce indoor exposure.
3. Avoid Outdoor Exercise During Smoke Events
Physical activity increases breathing rate, allowing more PM2.5 to reach deep into the lungs. If the air is visibly smoky or the AQI is in the orange or red zone, postpone exercise until conditions improve.
4. Use an N95 Mask If You Must Be Outside
Cloth or surgical masks do not protect against wildfire smoke particles. An N95 or KN95 respirator, properly fitted, can help filter out PM2.5 if you must go outside. People with severe heart or lung disease should talk with their provider before wearing one, as it may affect breathing effort.
5. Have a Medication and Emergency Plan
Make sure your medications are filled and taken as prescribed
Keep rescue inhalers or emergency medications nearby
Watch for signs of worsening symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat
Call 911 if symptoms are severe or sudden
Looking Ahead: Climate, Smoke, and the Northeast
The wildfire smoke reaching Upstate New York isn’t an isolated event. Over the past three years, massive wildfires in Canada and the Western U.S. have pushed smoke across state lines and national borders, affecting communities far from the flames.
Scientists now recognize that climate change is contributing to longer, more intense wildfire seasons, which in turn means more frequent and widespread smoke events². The Northeast, once relatively insulated from wildfire pollution, is now experiencing record-breaking air quality alerts.
This means we must prepare not just for the next storm or snow day—but for smoke days, too.
When to Call Your Cardiologist
If you have a heart condition and experience new or worsening symptoms during a wildfire smoke event, reach out to your care team. Let them know if you’ve had increased fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort—even if the symptoms seem mild. Early intervention can make all the difference.
At Capital Cardiology Associates, we’re committed to helping our patients stay heart-strong—no matter what’s in the air. If you have questions about air quality, heart medications, or symptoms you’ve experienced during recent smoke alerts, schedule a visit with your provider.
Endnotes
Wettstein, Z. S., et al. (2020). “Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Emergency Department Visits Associated With Wildfire Smoke Exposure in California in 2015.” Journal of the American Heart Association, 9(14), e016359.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). “Particulate Matter (PM) Basics.” Available at: www.epa.gov/pm-pollution
American Heart Association (AHA). (2022). “What Wildfire Smoke Does to Your Body.” Published June 24, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). “Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials.” Revised Edition.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance from your physician or other qualified health provider. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical care because of something you have read here. In case of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
