Long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) has been increasingly examined for its potential association with early myocardial tissue changes, even in individuals without overt cardiovascular disease. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) mapping enables assessment of myocardial tissue characteristics such as native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV), which may reflect subclinical alterations.

An observational analysis published in European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging included 231 patients with structurally normal hearts and no late gadolinium enhancement. Long-term exposure to particulate matter, including fine particles (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10), was estimated using data from European Environment Agency monitoring stations. Associations between PM exposure and CMR parameters were evaluated using multivariable linear and logistic regression models adjusted for demographic, clinical, socioeconomic factors, and inflammatory markers.

PM2.5 (β = 0.034%; 95% CI 0.005-0.063; p = 0.023) and PM10 (β = 0.021 per 1 µg/m³; 95% CI 0.009-0.032; p = 0.001) were associated with higher synthetic extracellular volume (ECV), while only PM2.5 was associated with higher native T1 (β = 0.317 ms per 1 µg/m³; 95% CI 0.07-0.564; p = 0.012). No associations were observed with other CMR parameters, including T2 mapping. In logistic regression analyses, PM2.5, but not PM10, remained associated with higher native T1 and ECV. No mediation effect of inflammatory markers was identified.

Overall, PM exposure was associated with changes in selected CMR tissue markers, with stronger associations observed in males and individuals aged ≥50 years.