Climate Change and Cardiovascular Disease: Who Is Vulnerable?

Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2025 Jan;45(1):23-36. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.124.318681. Epub 2024 Nov 26.

Abstract

Climate change involves a shift in earth's climate indicators over extended periods of time due to human activity. Anthropogenic air pollution has resulted in trapping heat, contributing to global warming, which contributes to worsening air pollution through facilitating oxidizing of air constituents. It is becoming more evident that the effects of climate change, such as air pollution and ambient temperatures, are interconnected with each other and other environmental factors. While the relationship between climate change components and cardiovascular disease is well documented in the literature, their interaction with one another along with individuals' biological and social risk factors is yet to be elucidated. In this review, we summarize that pathophysiological mechanisms by ambient temperatures directly affect cardiovascular health and describe the most vulnerable subgroups, defined by age, sex, race, and socioeconomic factors. Finally, we provide guidance on the importance of integrating climate, environmental, social, and health data into common platforms to inform researchers and policies.

Keywords: human activities; oxidation-reduction; policy; risk factors; socioeconomic factors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Air Pollution / adverse effects
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Climate Change*
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Vulnerable Populations