[Air pollution and cardiovascular disease]

Abstract

Although there is substantial evidence on the harmful effects of air pollution on human health, these are scarcely considered in the general clinical practice and also in the context of cardiovascular disease prevention. In light of the numerous epidemiological and basic research studies that have demonstrated the unfavorable impact of air pollution on the cardiovascular system, this review aims to bring this aspect to the attention of clinicians. This work describes the main air polluting components that can contribute to the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the impact of pollutants on the cardiovascular system and the available evidence regarding their effect on cardiovascular risk factors are reported. This article also examines the evidence relating to the correlation between environmental pollutants and some specific cardiovascular diseases, including acute coronary syndromes, cerebrovascular diseases, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Finally, the possible strategies to be implemented to limit pollution-induced cardiovascular damage are analyzed.