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Review
. 2014 Dec;168(6):812-22.
doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2014.07.007. Epub 2014 Jul 22.

Metal pollutants and cardiovascular disease: mechanisms and consequences of exposure

Natalia V Solenkova  1 , Jonathan D Newman  2 , Jeffrey S Berger  2 , George Thurston  3 , Judith S Hochman  2 , Gervasio A Lamas  4
Affiliations
Review

Metal pollutants and cardiovascular disease: mechanisms and consequences of exposure

Natalia V Solenkova et al. Am Heart J. 2014 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: There is epidemiological evidence that metal contaminants may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. Moreover, a recent clinical trial of a metal chelator had a surprisingly positive result in reducing cardiovascular events in a secondary prevention population, strengthening the link between metal exposure and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This is, therefore, an opportune moment to review evidence that exposure to metal pollutants, such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, is a significant risk factor for CVD.

Methods: We reviewed the English-speaking medical literature to assess and present the epidemiological evidence that 4 metals having no role in the human body (xenobiotic), mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic, have epidemiologic and mechanistic links to atherosclerosis and CVD. Moreover, we briefly review how the results of the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) strengthen the link between atherosclerosis and xenobiotic metal contamination in humans.

Conclusions: There is strong evidence that xenobiotic metal contamination is linked to atherosclerotic disease and is a modifiable risk factor.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
a. Lead exposure: Odds Ratios for Mortality for Blood/Bone Lead b. Cadmium Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD or Mortality for Urine Cadmium c. Mercury Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD or Death d. Arsenic Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD and Death for Urine Arsenic
Figure 1
Figure 1
a. Lead exposure: Odds Ratios for Mortality for Blood/Bone Lead b. Cadmium Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD or Mortality for Urine Cadmium c. Mercury Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD or Death d. Arsenic Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD and Death for Urine Arsenic
Figure 1
Figure 1
a. Lead exposure: Odds Ratios for Mortality for Blood/Bone Lead b. Cadmium Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD or Mortality for Urine Cadmium c. Mercury Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD or Death d. Arsenic Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD and Death for Urine Arsenic
Figure 1
Figure 1
a. Lead exposure: Odds Ratios for Mortality for Blood/Bone Lead b. Cadmium Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD or Mortality for Urine Cadmium c. Mercury Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD or Death d. Arsenic Exposure: Odds Ratios for CVD and Death for Urine Arsenic
Figure 2
Figure 2
Toxicity of ROS (please see attached file)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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