Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease: a Focus on Vulnerable Populations Worldwide

Abstract

Purpose of Review Certain subgroups defined by sociodemographics (race/ethnicity, age, sex, and socioeconomic status [SES]), geographic location (rural vs. urban), comorbid conditions, and country economic conditions (developed vs. developing) may disproportionately suffer the adverse cardiovascular effects of exposure to ambient air pollution. Yet, previous reviews have had a broad focus on the general population without consideration of these potentially vulnerable populations. Recent Findings Over the past decade, a wealth of epidemiologic studies have linked air pollutants including particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, subclinical CVD, clinical cardiovascular outcomes, and cardiovascular mortality in certain susceptible populations. Highest risk for poor CVD outcomes from air pollution exists in racial/ethnic minorities, especially in blacks compared to whites in the US, those at low SES, elderly populations, women, those with certain comorbid conditions, and developing countries compared to developed countries. However, findings are less consistent for urban compared to rural populations. Summary Vulnerable subgroups including racial/ethnic minorities, women, the elderly, smokers, diabetics, and those with prior heart disease had higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes from exposure to air pollution. There is limited data from developing countries where concentrations of air pollutants are more extreme and cardiovascular event rates are higher than that of developed countries. Further epidemiologic studies are needed to understand and address the marked disparities in CVD risk conferred by air pollution globally, particularly among these vulnerable subgroups.