Abstract: A review of the literature on the epidemiological and pathophysiological understanding of the short-term cardiovascular effects of atmospheric particulate matter. Current developments and key findings: Numerous studies conducted in countries with varying sources of pollution, meteorological conditions, and sociodemographic characteristics have demonstrated the existence of health effects linked to particulate matter pollution. After initially focusing primarily on the respiratory effects of atmospheric particulate matter, epidemiologists are now particularly interested in its cardiovascular effects. Indeed, such effects appear to occur in the most vulnerable individuals and can lead to emergency room visits, hospitalization, or even death. Some studies have also demonstrated the existence of less severe effects, but ones likely to affect a large number of people (notably cardiac symptoms and work absences due to cardiovascular causes). The mechanisms by which atmospheric particulate matter affects the cardiovascular system are still poorly understood, but experimental and epidemiological studies have suggested several hypotheses: local pulmonary effects appear to be followed by a systemic response, which in turn is thought to affect the heart’s electrical activity via the autonomic nervous system, as well as to influence blood circulation. The objective of this study is to review the current state of epidemiological and pathophysiological knowledge regarding cardiovascular effects attributable to atmospheric particulate matter