The Impact of Meteorological Factors and Air Pollutants on Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Purpose of Review Several studies have found that air pollution and climate change can have an impact on acute coronary syndromes (ACS), the leading cause of death worldwide. We synthesized the latest information about the impact of air pollution and climate change on ACS, the latest data about the pathophysiological mechanisms of meteorological factors and atmospheric pollutants on atherosclerotic disease, and an overall image of air pollution and coronary heart disease in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent Findings The variation of meteorological factors in different seasons increased the risk of ACS. Both the increase and the decrease in apparent temperature were found to be risk factors for ACS admissions. It was also demonstrated that exposure to high concentrations of air pollutants, especially particulate matter, increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Summary Climate change as well as increased emissions of air pollutants have a major impact on ACS. The industrialization era and the growing population cause a constant increase in air pollution worldwide. Thus, the number of ACS favored by air pollution and the variations in meteorological factors is expected to increase dramatically in the next few years.

Long-Term Exposure of Nitrogen Oxides Air Pollution (NO2) Impact for Coronary Artery Lesion Progression—Pilot Study

“…The presented results from our analysis correlate nitric oxide air pollution with chronic coronary syndrome, indicating progressive atherosclerotic plaque development. This novel finding broadens the scientific perspective on the pathophysiology of coronary culprit lesion and, in contrary to previous reports, suggests the relationship between meteorological factors and acute coronary syndrome risk [44,45]. More interestingly, Diaz-Chiron et al [46] presented the results of myocardial infarct size in relation to nitric oxide air and pollution and inflammatory activation measured by the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.…”

Short-Term Changes in Weather Conditions and the Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome Hospitalization with and without ST-Segment Elevation: A Focus on Vulnerable Subgroups

“…While the exact mechanisms remain not fully known and comprehended, various pathophysiological explanations have been proposed to elucidate why exposure to either cold or heat can trigger acute coronary disease. Exposure to both low and high temperatures has been associated with an augmentation in platelet and red cell counts, an elevation in fibrinogen concentration, and increased blood viscosity, ultimately leading to heightened thrombogenicity [ 12 , 13 , 16 ].…”

“…The physiopathological mechanism by which climate changes determine the increase in the number of AMI hospitalizations remains uncertain. It has been observed that exposure to low atmospheric temperatures causes an increase in the serum level of catecholamines, fibrinogen, and platelets, as well as an increase in blood pressure and heart rate [ 12 , 13 ]. In the context of global warming in recent years, the hot months seem to be associated more and more with the increase in the number of hospitalizations due to ACS [ 14 , 15 ].…”

“…In the context of global warming in recent years, the hot months seem to be associated more and more with the increase in the number of hospitalizations due to ACS [ 14 , 15 ]. It has been observed that thermal stress causes an increase in plasma cholesterol levels, blood viscosity, as well as the number of platelets and red cells [ 13 , 16 ].…”

Understanding the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Effects of Air Pollution in the Context of Cumulative Exposomic Impacts

“…[95][96][97] Driven by an interest in how associations with air pollution may change under climate change and reflecting differences in air pollution sources and components in different seasons, many studies have explored associations between various air pollutants and climatic components (eg, temperature [especially extremes], humidity) with a variety of cardiovascular outcomes. 98,99 In a time-series study in Hong Kong, the detrimental effects of air pollution on emergency IHD admissions were highest in the cool and dry season. 100 In another study in Lanzhou city, China, 101 the associations of air pollution with coronary heart disease hospitalizations were also greater during the cold season.…”