Environmental Exposome and Atrial Fibrillation: Emerging Evidence and Future Directions

Sojin Youn Wass, Omar Hahad, Zain Asad, Shuo Li, Mina K. Chung, Emelia J. Benjamin, Khurram Nasir, Sanjay Rajagopalan, Sadeer G. Al-Kindi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

There has been increased awareness of the linkage between environmental exposures and cardiovascular health and disease. Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, affecting millions of people worldwide and contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Although numerous studies have explored the role of genetic and lifestyle factors in the development and progression of atrial fibrillation, the potential impact of environmental determinants on this prevalent condition has received comparatively less attention. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on environmental determinants of atrial fibrillation, encompassing factors such as air pollution, temperature, humidity, and other meteorologic conditions, noise pollution, greenspace, and the social environment. We discuss the existing evidence from epidemiological and mechanistic studies, critically evaluating the strengths and limitations of these investigations and the potential underlying biological mechanisms through which environmental exposures may affect atrial fibrillation risk. Furthermore, we address the potential implications of these findings for public health and clinical practice and identify knowledge gaps and future research directions in this emerging field.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1029-1045
Number of pages17
JournalCirculation Research
Volume134
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 12 2024

Keywords

  • air pollution
  • atrial fibrillation
  • cardiovascular diseases
  • environmental exposure
  • exposome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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