The Impact of Fine Particulate Matter 2.5 on the Cardiovascular System: A Review of the Invisible Killer

Air pollution exerts several deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounting for 80% of all premature deaths caused by air pollution. Short-term exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM(2.5)) leads to acute CVD-associated deaths and nonfatal events, whereas long-term exposure increases CVD-associated risk of death and reduces longevity. Here, we summarize published data illustrating how PM(2.5) may impact the cardiovascular system to provide information on the mechanisms by which it may contribute to CVDs. We provide an overview of PM(2.5), its associated health risks, global statistics, mechanistic underpinnings related to mitochondria, and hazardous biological effects. We elaborate on the association between PM(2.5) exposure and CVD development and examine preventive PM(2.5) exposure measures and future strategies for combating PM(2.5)-related adverse health effects. The insights gained can provide critical guidelines for preventing pollution-related CVDs through governmental, societal, and personal measures, thereby benefitting humanity and slowing climate change.