Environmental Impacts on Cardiovascular Health and Biology: An Overview

Environmental Impacts on Cardiovascular Health and Biology: An Overview

2024 April 26 | Jacob R. Blaustein, Matthew J. Quise, Naomi M. Hamburg, Sharine Wittkopp
Environmental factors significantly impact cardiovascular health, with air pollution, climate change, noise, and light pollution being major contributors. Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Wildfires contribute to PM2.5 exposure, increasing cardiovascular mortality. Nitrogen oxides, ozone, and volatile organic compounds also have adverse cardiovascular effects. Climate change exacerbates these risks through extreme temperatures, which are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Heat waves and cold snaps both pose significant risks, especially for older adults and those with pre-existing conditions. Noise and light pollution disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to cardiovascular disease through stress and sleep disturbances. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals are also linked to cardiovascular risk factors. Neighborhood factors, including socioeconomic status and access to healthy foods, influence cardiovascular health outcomes. Strategies to reduce environmental cardiovascular risk include improving air quality, urban planning, and individual protective measures such as air purifiers and lifestyle changes. The exposome concept highlights the cumulative effects of environmental exposures on health. Future research and policy efforts must address these environmental risks to improve cardiovascular health and reduce health disparities.Environmental factors significantly impact cardiovascular health, with air pollution, climate change, noise, and light pollution being major contributors. Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Wildfires contribute to PM2.5 exposure, increasing cardiovascular mortality. Nitrogen oxides, ozone, and volatile organic compounds also have adverse cardiovascular effects. Climate change exacerbates these risks through extreme temperatures, which are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Heat waves and cold snaps both pose significant risks, especially for older adults and those with pre-existing conditions. Noise and light pollution disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to cardiovascular disease through stress and sleep disturbances. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals are also linked to cardiovascular risk factors. Neighborhood factors, including socioeconomic status and access to healthy foods, influence cardiovascular health outcomes. Strategies to reduce environmental cardiovascular risk include improving air quality, urban planning, and individual protective measures such as air purifiers and lifestyle changes. The exposome concept highlights the cumulative effects of environmental exposures on health. Future research and policy efforts must address these environmental risks to improve cardiovascular health and reduce health disparities.
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