Abstract

Air pollution is a heterogeneous, complex mixture of gases, liquids, and particulate matter. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a consistent increased risk for cardiovascular events in relation to both short- and long-term exposure to present-day concentrations of ambient particulate matter. Several plausible mechanistic pathways have been described, including enhanced coagulation/thrombosis, a propensity for arrhythmias, acute arterial vasoconstriction, systemic inflammatory responses, and the chronic promotion of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this statement is to provide healthcare professionals and regulatory agencies with a comprehensive review of the literature on air pollution and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the implications of these findings in relation to public health and regulatory policies are addressed. Practical recommendations for healthcare providers and their patients are outlined. In the final section, suggestions for future research are made to address a number of remaining scientific questions.

Keywords

MedicineAir pollutionDiseaseParticulatesPublic healthIntensive care medicineCardiovascular healthEnvironmental healthEpidemiologyPathology

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Publication Info

Year
2004
Type
review
Volume
109
Issue
21
Pages
2655-2671
Citations
2338
Access
Closed

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Robert D. Brook, Barry A. Franklin, Wayne E. Cascio et al. (2004). Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation , 109 (21) , 2655-2671. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.cir.0000128587.30041.c8

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DOI
10.1161/01.cir.0000128587.30041.c8