Environmental Pollutants as Emerging Concerns for Cardiac Diseases: A Review on Their Impacts on Cardiac Health

Abstract

Comorbidities related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and environmental pollution have emerged as serious concerns. The exposome concept underscores the cumulative impact of environmental factors, including climate change, air pollution, chemicals like PFAS, and heavy metals, on cardiovascular health. Chronic exposure to these pollutants contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, further exacerbating the global burden of CVDs. Specifically, carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, particulate matter (PM_2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), heavy metals, pesticides, and micro- and nanoplastics have been implicated in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality through various mechanisms. PM_2.5 exposure leads to inflammation and metabolic disruptions. Ozone and CO exposure induce oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction. NO₂ exposure contributes to cardiac remodeling and acute cardiovascular events, and sulfur dioxide and heavy metals exacerbate oxidative stress and cellular damage. Pesticides and microplastics pose emerging risks linked to inflammation and cardiovascular tissue damage. Monitoring and risk assessment play a crucial role in identifying vulnerable populations and assessing pollutant impacts, considering factors like age, gender, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle disorders. This review explores the impact of cardiovascular disease, discussing risk-assessment methods, intervention strategies, and the challenges clinicians face in addressing pollutant-induced cardiovascular diseases. It calls for stronger regulatory policies, public health interventions, and green urban planning.