Car fumes could 'raise the risk of heart attack and stroke risk'

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High-level exposure to the fumes in tests led to harmful changes in blood vessels and clotting.

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Diesel fumes: Research found it could cause heart attacks and strokes

Experts are advising people to exercise away from traffic to cut the risk, especially if they have known heart conditions.

A study by the University of Edinburgh and Swedish researchers measured the effects of diesel exhaust on heart and blood vessel functions in surroundings which mimicked a busy street.

Monitors showed inhalation of diesel exhaust caused a rise in clot formation of up to 25 per cent in the hours after exposure.

The research, funded by the British Heart Foundation, suggests air pollution makes the blood "stickier" which could increase the chances of a heart attack.

Dr Andrew Lucking, lead researcher at Edinburgh University, reported the findings yesterday at an American Heart Association meeting in Orlando.

He said: "This study shows that when a person is exposed to relatively high levels of diesel exhaust for a short time, the blood is more likely to clot. This could lead to a blocked vessel resulting in heart attack or stroke."

Fine carbon particles largely generated by diesel exhausts have previously been shown to damage the lungs of children, with those living near main roads at double the risk of developing asthma.

Research suggests the toll of air pollution on health may lead to 24,000 premature deaths a year.