The Role of Ambient Particulate Matter in Cardiovascular Disease Pathogenesis

Background: Ambient particulate matter (PM) is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet regional differences in exposure, susceptibility, and health outcomes remain underexplored. Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, experience some of the highest PM concentrations in the European Union, but are underrepresented in global analyses. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the pathophysiological mechanisms linking PM exposure to CVD, while also highlighting epidemiological trends and risk differentials specific to Poland in comparison to Western European countries. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords such as “air pollution”,”particulate matter”, “cardiovascular disease”, “Poland” and “Europe”. Studies published between 2016 and 2024 were considered. Epidemiological data from Polish and European public health sources were also analyzed. Results: PM exposure (notably PM2.5 and PM10) is strongly associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, and arrhythmias. Recent findings underscore heightened vulnerability among older adults and urban populations in Poland. Compared to Western Europe, Poland shows persistently higher average annual PM2.5 levels and related CVD mortality, suggesting disparities in environmental regulation and preventive strategies. Conclusions: This review contributes region-specific insight into the cardiovascular impact of air pollution and underlines the need for targeted public health interventions in Poland. Strengthening air quality policies and integrating environmental risk into cardiovascular prevention guidelines are essential steps toward reducing the regional health burden.