Cardiology Societies Issue Joint Statement on Environmental Risks to Cardiovascular Health

Four major cardiovascular organizations—the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the World Heart Federation (WHF)—have jointly released a statement identifying environmental exposures as significant and modifiable contributors to cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The joint release, published January 20, 2026, cites growing evidence linking environmental factors such as air and noise pollution, chemical contaminants, artificial light at night, plastics, and climate-related stressors to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. According to the statement, these exposures contribute to an estimated 4 to 6 million of the roughly 20 million cardiovascular deaths reported globally each year.

Citing data from recent studies, the organizations emphasize that ambient air pollution is associated with elevated blood pressure and accelerated atherosclerosis. Similarly, transportation-related noise has been identified as an independent risk factor for CVD, with effects comparable in magnitude to other established contributors such as smoking, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

Despite the documented associations, environmental factors are not consistently addressed in cardiovascular prevention guidelines or public health policies. The statement calls for stronger integration of environmental risk assessment into cardiovascular care and recommends policy measures to reduce exposure, particularly in disproportionately affected populations.

The authors outline potential strategies, including stricter regulation of air and noise pollution, limits on chemical exposures, and urban planning approaches that reduce health-related environmental risks. The statement also notes that individuals in lower socioeconomic settings are more likely to be exposed to multiple environmental hazards, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.

The collaborative document marks the first time these four global cardiology societies have issued a unified position on environmental determinants of cardiovascular health. It reflects a broader effort to expand the scope of CVD prevention by including nontraditional risk factors with demonstrated population-level impact.

Environmental exposures are increasingly recognized as influencing cardiovascular outcomes through both direct physiological mechanisms and indirect pathways linked to social and structural determinants of health. According to the joint statement, addressing these exposures will require cross-sector coordination involving healthcare, environmental regulation, and urban development.