Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases from Air Pollution 1990 to 2021

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a leading cause of mortality globally, contributing to an estimated 17.9 million deaths annually. This study evaluates the burden of CVD attributable to household air pollution from 1990 to 2021, addressing known gaps in the understanding of environmental impact on heart health.

Method: This research employs a systematic analysis of epidemiological data, with a focus on mortality and morbidity rates associated with household air pollution. The study includes data from various countries and populations to estimate the global burden, applying statistical models to analyze trends over the 31-year period.

Result: The analysis reveals a 22% increase in CVD attributable to household air pollution from 1990 to 2021, with approximately 4.2 million deaths linked to this factor in 2021 alone. Notably, low-income countries exhibit the highest mortality rates, with a risk difference of 48% compared to high-income nations.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgent need for public health policies aimed at reducing household air pollution, particularly in low-income regions. Investment in cleaner energy sources and improved ventilation could mitigate CVD risks. Limitations include reliance on available mortality data, with additional investigations needed to fully capture the health impacts of air pollution.

Original citation address: https://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2025.141