Abstract
Objective:
This study aims to comprehensively investigate the role of environmental factors—diet, physical activity, tobacco smoke, air pollution, psychosocial factors, occupational exposures, noise pollution, climate factors, urbanization, and socioeconomic status—in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Background:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) poses a significant global health challenge influenced by a complex interplay of environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. These factors contribute to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, and thrombosis, underscoring the need for a holistic understanding to inform effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Methods:
A systematic review was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and various journals to identify relevant studies on environmental factors and CAD. The search encompassed articles without date restrictions, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Studies exploring causal links between environmental factors and CAD pathophysiology were included, with data synthesized to elucidate key mechanisms and relationships.
Results:
The investigation highlights complex connections between environmental factors and CAD pathophysiology. Diets high in saturated fats and sugars exacerbate inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, while diets rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids mitigate these effects. Physical activity enhances endothelial function and reduces inflammation markers, promoting plaque stability. Tobacco smoke and air pollution are linked to increased inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and plaque instability. Psychosocial stressors, occupational exposures, noise pollution, climate variations, urbanization, and lower socioeconomic status similarly contribute to CAD progression through diverse mechanisms.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the multifaceted impact of diet, physical activity, tobacco smoke, air pollution, psychosocial factors, occupational exposures, noise pollution, climate factors, urbanization, and socioeconomic status on CAD pathogenesis. Understanding these causal links is critical for developing comprehensive strategies to mitigate CAD risk and improve cardiovascular outcomes globally. Integrated public health initiatives and targeted policy interventions addressing these factors are essential for effective CAD prevention and management.