A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that metal exposure from environmental pollution can lead to increased buildup of calcium in the arteries. The buildup can lead to the development of heart disease and other health issues.
The study included over 6,400 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Metal levels in the participants’ bodies were measured using urine samples at the start of the study, and the buildup of calcium in the participants’ arteries was then measured repeatedly over the 10-year study period. Certain metals have been previously associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, and the goal of this study was to see whether higher urinary levels of those metals would lead to an increased rate of coronary artery calcium buildup.
The results of the study showed that increased urinary levels of metals increased the rate of coronary artery calcium buildup similarly to traditional risk factors like smoking and diabetes. Certain metals in particular were associated with greater risk. In participants with the highest levels of urinary cadmium, calcium buildup levels were 51% higher at baseline and 75% higher over the 10-year period compared to those with the lowest levels of urinary cadmium. Similarly, exposure to tungsten, uranium, cobalt, copper, and zinc were associated with greater risk of coronary artery calcium buildup.
While the mechanism linking metal exposure to the clogging of arteries is not entirely clear, it may be partially related to inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, or lipid metabolism changes caused by metal exposure. The authors of the study stated that metal exposure should be considered a significant risk factor in the development of artery disease and heart disease. The buildup of plaque in the arteries is one of the major underlying causes for cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
Sources: Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Science Daily