Environmental Impact on Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review

Vollständiger Abstract

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Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. While traditional risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, diet and physical inactivity, remain major contributors to cardiovascular mortality, environmental factors are often underrecognised and insufficiently addressed in research and clinical practice. Asia is experiencing the fastest rates of urbanisation and second-fastest population growth globally, yet there remains a lack of epidemiological evidence and in-depth understanding of the detrimental effects of environmental factors on cardiovascular health. There is now concerning evidence that air pollution and climate change significantly increase cardiovascular mortality. Higher incidences of hypertension, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure exacerbations and arrhythmias have been reported. This review examines the epidemiology and pathophysiological mechanisms linking environmental factors to cardiovascular disease. In addition, it highlights practical approaches an individual cardiologist can take in their practice to help mitigate the environmental risk on cardiovascular disease.