Climate and environmental triggers of acute myocardial infarction.
Over the past few decades, a growing body of epidemiological and clinical evidence has led to heightened concerns about the potential short- and long-term deleterious effects of the environment on cardiovascular health, including the risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This review highlights the increased risk of AMI caused by exposure to air pollution and cold temperatures. These factors should be considered modifiable risk factors in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The current body of knowledge about the biological mechanisms linking environmental changes to atherothrombotic events and the impact of climate change on cardiovascular health are discussed. Finally, recommendations for prevention and public policy are presented.
Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium.
Marc J
MJ
Claeys
University of Maryland Heart Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Sanjay
S
Rajagopalan
Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.|Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium.
Tim S
TS
Nawrot
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, AnnArbor, MI, USA.
Robert D
RD
Brook
D000208:Acute Disease; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002980:Climate; D057231:Climate Change; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000209:etiology*; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors
D000393:Air Pollutants
Environment; Epidemiology; Myocardial infarction; Risk factor