Fig. 2
From: Cardiovascular health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure
Schematic pathway showing proposed pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiovascular effects induced by wildfire smoke exposure. Wildfire smoke contains PM, gases, PAHs, and VOCs, etc. These components may affect the cardiovascular system through inhalational route, with a contribution from dermal exposure. Wildfire smoke can cause cardiovascular effects through three possible pathways: activation of autonomic reflex, oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, and direct interaction with the vasculature. Abbreviations: BP: blood pressure, CO: carbon monoxide, EV: extracellular vesicle, HRV: heart rate variability, miRNA: microRNAs, NOx: oxides of nitrogen, PAHs: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PM: particulate matter, ROS: reactive oxygen species