Surreal illustration of a heart and dust-covered tree, symbolizing the connection between lung health and cardiovascular disease.

Dust, Lungs, and Heart: Unraveling the Connection Between Inhaled Particles and Cardiovascular Health

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Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Is Your Work Environment Putting Your Heart at Risk? Explore the surprising link between pulmonary function impairment and coronary artery calcification in those exposed to inorganic dusts."


For years, scientists have understood that the presence and extent of coronary artery calcification (CAC) often mirrors the degree of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside your arteries. Quantifying CAC through methods like multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) has become a valuable tool in assessing cardiovascular risk. But what if your occupation puts you at risk in ways you never imagined?

Emerging research is highlighting a concerning connection: exposure to dust, toxic particles, and gases can trigger pulmonary function impairment (PFI), potentially raising your chances of developing cardiovascular diseases. While the link between PFI and ischemic heart diseases has been noted, the specific relationship between PFI and CAC, especially in individuals exposed to dusts, remains an area of intense study.

A recent study delved into this critical question, seeking to understand how PFI and CAC are related in individuals exposed to inorganic dusts. It also investigated whether pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling dust, influences CAC or PFI.

What the Research Reveals: Unpacking the Link Between Dust Exposure, Lung Health, and Heart Health

Surreal illustration of a heart and dust-covered tree, symbolizing the connection between lung health and cardiovascular disease.

Researchers at the Occupational Lung Diseases Institute in Korea conducted a thorough investigation involving 76 subjects exposed to inorganic dusts. Each participant underwent a series of tests, including coronary artery calcium scoring using MDCT, spirometry to assess lung function, laboratory tests, and a standardized questionnaire.

The study's methodology involved:

  • CAC Quantification: Using specialized software, researchers quantified the extent of coronary artery calcification in each subject. Participants were then divided into two groups: those with no calcification (total calcium score [TCS] <1) and those with calcification (TCS ≥1).
  • Pulmonary Function Assessment: Spirometry was used to identify obstructive pulmonary function impairment (OPFI) and restrictive pulmonary function impairment (RPFI) based on established criteria (FEV1/FVC, % <70 for OPFI).
  • Pneumoconiosis Evaluation: Chest radiographs were analyzed to classify subjects into either a 'case' group (presence of pneumoconiosis) or a 'control' group (no pneumoconiosis).
The results revealed that a significant portion of the participants (46.1%) had CAC. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between age, hypertension, and the presence of CAC. Notably, individuals with pneumoconiosis were more likely to be in the calcified group. Moreover, the study found a significant inverse correlation between FEV1/FVC (%) and TCSs, meaning that as lung function decreased, the extent of coronary artery calcification increased. Participants with OPFI also showed a trend toward increasing TCSs.

Protecting Your Heart and Lungs: Actionable Steps for a Healthier Future

This research underscores the importance of protecting yourself from the harmful effects of inhaled dusts. By understanding the link between dust exposure, lung health, and heart health, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your well-being. Stay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize your health for a long and vibrant life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4046/trd.2013.74.2.56, Alternate LINK

Title: Relation Of Pulmonary Function Impairment And Coronary Artery Calcification By Multi-Detector Computed Tomography In Group Exposed To Inorganic Dusts

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Publisher: The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Authors: Won-Jeong Lee, Jae Hoon Shin, So Young Park

Published: 2013-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is the connection between inhaling inorganic dust particles and heart disease?

Inhaling inorganic dust particles can lead to pulmonary function impairment (PFI). PFI is linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The study specifically investigated the relationship between PFI and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in individuals exposed to dusts. The research found that as lung function decreased, the extent of CAC increased, highlighting a direct connection between dust exposure, lung health, and heart health.

2

How does the study assess the link between lung health and heart health in those exposed to dust?

The study utilized several methods. Firstly, the extent of coronary artery calcification (CAC) was quantified using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). Participants were then categorized based on their total calcium score (TCS). Pulmonary function was assessed using spirometry to identify obstructive pulmonary function impairment (OPFI) and restrictive pulmonary function impairment (RPFI). Chest radiographs were analyzed to evaluate for the presence of pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling dust. The researchers analyzed the correlation between these factors to understand the link between lung and heart health.

3

What is coronary artery calcification (CAC) and why is it important?

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is the buildup of calcium within the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This calcification often mirrors the presence and extent of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque accumulates inside the arteries. Measuring CAC, often through methods like multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), is a valuable tool in assessing cardiovascular risk. A higher CAC score typically indicates a greater risk of future heart problems.

4

What role does pneumoconiosis play in the relationship between dust exposure and heart health?

Pneumoconiosis, a lung disease resulting from inhaling dust, was also examined in the study. Individuals with pneumoconiosis were found to be more likely to have coronary artery calcification (CAC). This suggests that the presence of pneumoconiosis, caused by dust exposure, may increase the risk of developing heart problems, potentially by contributing to pulmonary function impairment (PFI) which in turn increases CAC.

5

What are the key findings of the research regarding the link between dust exposure, lung function, and heart health, and what do they mean for individuals?

The research revealed a significant correlation between age, hypertension, and the presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC). Individuals with pneumoconiosis were more likely to have CAC. Furthermore, the study found a significant inverse correlation between FEV1/FVC (%) and total calcium scores (TCSs), meaning that as lung function decreased, the extent of CAC increased. Participants with obstructive pulmonary function impairment (OPFI) also showed a trend toward increasing TCSs. These findings emphasize the importance of protecting oneself from dust exposure and highlight the direct connection between lung health, specifically pulmonary function impairment (PFI), and cardiovascular health, underscoring the need for proactive measures to safeguard well-being.

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