Impact of PM2.5 Exposure on Cardiovascular diseases (IPEC Study): an updated umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors' conclusion
This umbrella review consolidates high-level evidence linking PM2.5 exposure to a broad spectrum of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Study context
- Population
- Human populations exposed to PM2.5, diverse geographic regions and demographic settings38 systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs)
- Comparison
- Higher vs lower PM2.5 exposure
- Outcome
- Cardiovascular morbidity, mortality or intermediate biomarkers
Methodological detailsPRISMA, AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS quality appraisal, Most reviews rated moderate-to-high quality
- PRISMA
- AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS quality appraisal
- Most reviews rated moderate-to-high quality
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Association of short- and long-term PM2.5 exposure with CV risk
MI, RR
1.02
95% CI 1.01–1.03
Stroke, RR
1.011
95% CI 1.010–1.012
HF, RR
1.018
95% CI 1.011–1.025
Arrhythmia, RR
1.015
95% CI 1.006–1.024
Further pooled results
Dose-response
- Increased risk even below WHO (5 µg/m3 annual; 15 µg/m3 24 h), US (12; 35 µg/m3) and Indian (40; 60 µg/m3) standards
Subgroups
- Increased susceptibility in older adults, pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD), and low- and middle-income countries
Original publication
Impact of PM2.5 Exposure on Cardiovascular diseases (IPEC Study): an updated umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Eur J Prev Cardiol. Published 6 January 2026. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it