Air pollution and arterial hypertension. A new risk factor is in the air

摘要

Abstract Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats and has been implicated for several adverse cardiovascular effects including arterial hypertension (HTN). However, the exact relationship between air pollution exposure and HTN is still unclear. Air contamination provokes oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and autonomic nervous system imbalance that subsequently induce endothelial dysfunction and vasoconstriction leading to increased blood pressure. The aim of this review was to describe the potential mechanisms by which air pollution contributes to HTN and to summarize the consequences of short- and long-term exposure. Highlights " Air pollution is nowadays considered to be a new risk factor for hypertension. " Even brief exposure to air pollution might trigger a rapid and significant increase of blood pressure. " Elderly and those with comorbidities are at higher risk for air pollutionmediated cardiovascular events.