Ambient Air Pollution: A Major Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factor in the UAE?

Abstract

With rapid urbanization in UAE, results in higher air pollution from fossil fuel-powered electricity and increases the risk of heart
diseases. It is clear that regular exposure to ambient air pollutants contributes to increased odds of cardiovascular diseases
(CVD) and cardiometabolic disease. Air pollution from particulate matters size 2.5 Mm (PM2.5) increases the risk of premature
death from stroke (19%) and coronary heart disease (13%). The overall absolute risk for mortality due to particulate matter (PM) exposure in UAE may be higher for cardiovascular disease after short- and long-term exposures. With higher levels of ambient air concentration in UAE, regulatory authorities must bring forward robust legislation to protect the health, promote precise air needs, and comprehensive strategies to prevent and control CVD. Importantly, air pollution should be considered as one of several major modifiable risk factors in the prevention and management of CVD in UAE and globally.