Global Cardiology Societies Call for Action on Environmental Risks

Four leading organizations — 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 toxic environmental exposures linked to cardiovascular disease.

The groups cited growing evidence that air pollution, chemical contaminants, plastics, climate change, and artificial noise and light significantly contribute to rising heart disease rates. Among these, air pollution poses the greatest risk, largely by triggering inflammation in the lungs and circulatory system. Climate-related hazards such as extreme heat and wildfires may also increase risks of dehydration, arrhythmias and heart attacks.

Cardiovascular disease remains the world’s leading cause of death, accounting for about 44% of noncommunicable disease deaths. The statement’s authors estimate that environmental hazards contribute to at least one in five of the 20 million annual global cardiovascular deaths, calling for urgent policy and clinical action.

26-02-2026