Global Cardiology Groups Call for Action on Environmental Risks to Heart Health

Four leading cardiology organisations — the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, European Society of Cardiology, and World Heart Federation — have issued a joint statement urging stronger regulatory action to address environmental factors linked to cardiovascular disease.

Research increasingly shows that exposures such as air pollution, chemical contamination, plastics, climate change, and excessive artificial noise and light may contribute significantly to rising heart disease rates. Among these, air pollution is considered the most harmful, largely due to its ability to trigger inflammation in the lungs and throughout the circulatory system.

Climate-related hazards, including extreme heat and wildfires, may further increase cardiovascular risks by causing dehydration, irregular heart rhythms, and severe coronary events like heart attacks.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death, accounting for about 44% of deaths from noncommunicable diseases. Experts estimate that environmental hazards contribute to roughly one-fifth of the 20 million cardiovascular deaths recorded worldwide each year.

05-03-2026