Unraveling the impact of air pollution on cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

The study explores the relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), focusing on the impact of PM2.5, PM10, and NO₂. Using data from the UK Biobank (459,864 participants), logistic regression revealed significant associations between pollutant exposure and increased risk of heart attack, hypertension, stroke, angina, asthma, and atrial fibrillation. Among pollutants, PM2.5 emerged as the strongest risk factor. A comparison of pollution levels between the UK, Frankfurt (Germany), and WHO guidelines demonstrated that both countries exceed the recommended safe thresholds. The findings underscore the urgent need for public health interventions and stricter environmental regulations to reduce the cardiovascular burden of air pollution.