Scientists from King's College London studied the air quality of nine major cities, including Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester.
The scientists found that across England, 124 additional cardiac arrests occur each year because of higher than normal levels of air pollution. The "health emergency" was also linked to a further 231 strokes and 193 asthma hospitalisations.
Those who live near a major road may be most at risk. The researchers found that living within 50m of a busy road increases the risk of stroke, low birth weight and reduced lung capacity in children.
Breathing in tiny particles and gases in the air has been shown to damage the inside of the arteries, making them narrow and stiff. It can also cause the blood to clot and disrupt the electrical impulses that maintain a steady heartbeat.
