Atherosclerotic Heart Diseases Due to Air Pollution

Air pollution is an important determinant of atherosclerotic heart disease. Lifestyle modifications such as cessation of smoking, balanced diet and physical exercise have significant influences to prevent atherosclerotic hear t diseases. The contribution of air pollution other than tobacco smoking is less elucidated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic heart disease. Air pollution is diverse, complex mixture of gases, liquids, and particulate matter. Fine particles, mostly the ultrafiltrate fraction, which are primarily derived from combustion of fossil fuel, are the most lethal. Epidemiological studies describe that chronic exposure to polluted air is associated with an increase in cardiovascular mortality. Animal studies show that exposure to air pollution increases peripheral thrombosis and atherosclerotic lesion formation. Perhaps, the polluted air changes the synthesis or reactivity of nitric oxide. Recent studies have reported authentic observations linking fine and ultrafine particles to the coagulation cascade, platelet function, and subsequent development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Extensive studies are urgently needed to: classify the contribution of individual air pollutants to specific aspects of cardiovascular disease; calculate approximately the relative susceptibility of diseased and healthy individuals and that of specific population groups. Jointly these investigations could contribute to the field of environmental health. The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive review of literature on air pollution and atherosclerotic heart disease. Key Words: Air pollution. Atherosclerosis. Heart disease. Environmental health.