Every fifth death from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the EU could be prevented by improving environmental conditions, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency.

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in the EU, according to the European Society of Cardiology.

In 2022, more than 1.7 million people died from cardiovascular diseases, accounting for one-third of all deaths in the bloc, Euronews reports.

CVD also lead to disability and early retirement, negatively affecting quality of life and reducing life expectancy.

According to the European Commission, cardiovascular diseases cost the EU more than €282 billion annually due to lost productivity and reduced economic output.

In addition to personal factors such as age and family history, environmental factors play a key role in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

In the EU, factors such as air pollution, extreme temperatures, and toxic substances account for at least 18% of all CVD-related deaths.

Poland (23.69%) and Bulgaria (23.98%) are the EU countries with the highest share of cardiovascular deaths linked to environmental risks.

Finland and Sweden have the lowest shares — 9.72% and 10.01%, respectively.

According to the European Cardiology Network, air pollution causes about 8% of all cardiovascular deaths in the EU each year.

Fine particulate matter PM2.5 — produced by sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and fossil fuel combustion — as well as nitrogen dioxide and ozone are the three main pollutants linked to cardiovascular disease in Europe.

In 2022, Poland (82.32%) and Ireland (81.83%) recorded the highest rates of premature deaths caused by exposure to these particles.

Finland and Estonia reported the lowest rates — 5.48% and 11.21%, respectively.

Long-term exposure to these pollutants significantly contributes to premature mortality and chronic cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

It is estimated that around 66,000 premature deaths in the EU each year are linked to transport noise, with more than 30% of them caused by cardiovascular factors.

EU policies and regulations aimed at reducing air pollution are showing results. Pollution levels have decreased across the EU, leading to fewer premature deaths associated with it.

However, 95% of EU residents — especially in urban areas — are still exposed to unsafe pollution levels.