The relationship between airborne particulate matter and cardiovascular diseases in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

Background: Particulate matter (PM) pollution in the air has been linked to a variety of negative health effects, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Understanding the link between PM and CVD is critical for developing public health policies and interventions. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the existing evidence on the relationship between airborne particulate matter and cardiovascular diseases, with a focus on the United Kingdom (UK).

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and relevant grey literature sources. A total of 798 records were initially identified, and after applying the eligibility criteria, 9 studies were included for analysis. The Critical Appraisal Skilled Program (CASP) checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A narrative synthesis approach was employed to analyse the data.

Results: The nine (9) studies chosen provide evidence for the link between airborne particulate matter and cardiovascular disease in the United Kingdom. The findings show a significant positive correlation between long-term exposure to PM and the risk of developing various cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Furthermore, short-term exposure to elevated PM levels has been linked to an increased risk of acute cardiovascular events. The studies found a 0.6% correlation with a mean PM level of 2.7, and the association was significant with a p-value of 0.001.

Conclusion: Long-term exposure to PM is associated with an increased risk of developing various cardiovascular conditions, while short-term exposure to elevated PM levels is linked to acute cardiovascular events. These findings highlight the importance of implementing effective air pollution control measures and public health interventions to mitigate the impact of airborne particulate matter on cardiovascular health in the UK.