Smog or other gases that are inhaled can enter the systemic blood stream and cause oxidative stress to the circulatory system or blood vessels. The particles causing damage to the lining of the vessels or the sacs in the lungs will initiate the inflammatory response and cause cellular mediators such as platelets & fibrin, to heal the damaged wall. This causes the vessels to narrow or form plaques overtime and can obstruct blood flow to the heart/brain. A piece of the plaque can also rip off and travel to the brain and obstruct blood flow that way as well.
ZookeepergameOpen824 t1_j7i95jy wrote
Reply to What's the mechanism behind smog causing stroke or heart disease? by Raul_Endy
Smog or other gases that are inhaled can enter the systemic blood stream and cause oxidative stress to the circulatory system or blood vessels. The particles causing damage to the lining of the vessels or the sacs in the lungs will initiate the inflammatory response and cause cellular mediators such as platelets & fibrin, to heal the damaged wall. This causes the vessels to narrow or form plaques overtime and can obstruct blood flow to the heart/brain. A piece of the plaque can also rip off and travel to the brain and obstruct blood flow that way as well.