[Air pollution and cardiovascular diseases].

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Toxicology

Background:

• Air pollution causes millions of preventable deaths annually, reducing global life expectancy by nearly 3 years.
• Fine and coarse particulate matter are linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
• Particulate matter exposure exacerbates conditions like coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of air pollution on cardiovascular health.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which particulate matter affects the cardiovascular system.
• To highlight the association between air pollution and severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiological studies analyzing air pollution exposure and health outcomes.
• Review of research on the biological mechanisms of particulate matter toxicity.
• Examination of recent findings on air pollution and COVID-19 severity.

Main Results:

• Inhalation of fine particulate matter leads to oxidative stress in blood vessels, promoting atherosclerosis.
• Particulate matter directly impacts the brain and bloodstream, increasing risks of ischemic heart disease and stroke.
• High air pollution levels correlate with severe COVID-19 courses, including cardiovascular and pulmonary complications.

Conclusions:

• Air pollution poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health, comparable to smoking.
• Stricter regulations on air pollutant limits are necessary to prevent premature deaths.
• Individual mitigation strategies are important for managing health impacts of particulate matter.