Air pollution – a factor of the cardiovascular system diseases

Introduction. Air pollution is any chemical, physical or biological agent that alters the natural composition of the atmosphere. It is the cause of many respiratory, circulatory and nervous system diseases, as well as the occurrence of allergies, cancer and fertility problems. Aim. The purpose of this study was to summarize the effects of polluted air on the cardiovascular system. This impact is associated with the whole spectrum of negative effects from additional hospitalizations to premature deaths. Materials and methods. A review of the literature available in the PubMed database was conducted published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Environment Agency (EEA). Basic results. Air pollution is a real threat to the cardiovascular system. The human population is constantly exposed to the toxins in the air we breathe from tobacco smoke and fireplace smoking to industrial emissions and volcanic eruptions. It is not just a problem for large metropolitan areas, but a huge global problem. It is worth noting that polluted air is not only outside, but also indoors where we live despite our supposed sense of security. Conclusions. This is a huge problem that cannot be ignored, and a public health challenge. It is important to constantly raise awareness of the magnitude of the problem, take action on many levels and promote prevention to minimize exposure as much as possible and continue to improve air quality. Keywords: air pollution, cardiovascular disease, particulate matter, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia