The Link Between Air Pollution and Ischemic Heart Diseases
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease (IHD), a leading cause of death globally, is strongly associated with environmental factors, particularly air pollution. This article examines the link between air pollution and the development of IHD, focusing on the mechanisms and epidemiological evidence supporting this relationship. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO), is associated with an increased risk of IHD through mechanisms involving systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and autonomic dysfunction. Clinical evidence further supports these findings, with increased incidences of myocardial infarction and angina during periods of high pollution. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for effective public health policies aimed at reducing air pollution and mitigating its cardiovascular effects, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Keywords
Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), Air Pollution, Particulate Matter (PM2.5)How to Cite
References
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Pope, C. A., et al. (2004). "Cardiovascular mortality and long-term exposure to particulate air pollution: Epidemiological evidence of general pathophysiological pathways of disease." Circulation, 109(1), 71-77.
Künzli, N., et al. (2005). "Health effects of the air pollution in the Mediterranean area." International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 15(2), 1-9.
Brook, R. D., et al. (2010). "Particulate matter air pollution and cardiovascular disease: An update to the scientific statement from the American Heart Association." Circulation, 121(21), 2331-2378.
Pope, C. A., et al. (2004). "Cardiovascular mortality and long-term exposure to particulate air pollution: Epidemiological evidence of general pathophysiological pathways of disease." Circulation, 109(1), 71-77.
Künzli, N., et al. (2005). "Health effects of the air pollution in the Mediterranean area." International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 15(2), 1-9.
Brook, R. D., et al. (2010). "Particulate matter air pollution and cardiovascular disease: An update to the scientific statement from the American Heart Association." Circulation, 121(21), 2331-2378.
Pope, C. A., et al. (2004). "Cardiovascular mortality and long-term exposure to particulate air pollution: Epidemiological evidence of general pathophysiological pathways of disease." Circulation, 109(1), 71-77.
Künzli, N., et al. (2005). "Health effects of the air pollution in the Mediterranean area." International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 15(2), 1-9.
Rajagopalan, S., et al. (2018). "Air pollution and cardiovascular disease: JACC state-of-the-art review." Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 72(17), 2054-2070.
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