Environmental Stressors and Cardiovascular Health: Acting Locally for Global Impact in a Changing World

Jan 20, 2026Journal of the American College of Cardiology

How local environmental stress affects heart health worldwide in a changing world

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Abstract

70% of global mortality is attributed to non-communicable diseases, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause.

Over 38 million deaths annually are linked to non-communicable diseases.
Environmental risk factors, such as air pollution and climate change, may significantly contribute to the rise of non-communicable diseases.
Urbanization has intensified exposure to these environmental factors, increasing health risks.
Interventions addressing these exposures often require regulatory and policy-driven efforts, especially for vulnerable populations.
Effective solutions should focus on building resiliency and adapting to environmental changes.
Integration of planetary health into cardiovascular care may help reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 70% of global mortality and are responsible for over 38 million deaths annually, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) constituting most of these fatalities. While traditional risk factors for CVD have long been recognized, there is growing evidence that a rising prevalence of ubiquitous environmental risk factors (ERFs) may play an increasingly significant role in the genesis and rising prevalence of NCDs. ERFs include many interconnected anthropogenic exposures with cumulative compound health impacts, including air pollution, noise exposure, artificial light at night, plastic pollution, chemical pollution and the various effects of climate change, such as heat extremes, desert storms, floods and wildfires. Urbanization has intensified the impact of many ERFs and created intense exposure environments, highlighting the urgency and the opportunity to address these for maximum public health benefit. Impactful intervention often requires regulatory and policy-driven efforts addressing the genesis of exposures and minimizes their health impact, particularly in vulnerable populations who may contribute the least but may be impacted the most. Solutions must involve the development of resiliency and adaptation measures to a changing world, where the probability of sudden catastrophic and cascading events is much more likely. Political will and international cooperation are essential in establishing and enforcing regulations that promote cleaner air and water, quieter and natural biodiverse environments, and sustainable infrastructure in urban, and rural medical facilities. Integration of planetary and environmental health into cardiovascular care will be vital in reducing the burden of NCDs globally. By addressing the root causes of environmental stressors, it is possible to reduce the incidence of CVDs and promote healthier, just and sustainable societies.

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Environmental Stressors and Cardiovascular Health: Acting Locally for Global Impact in a Changing World

Abstract

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