Exposure to both non-essential and essential metals has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality, according to the largest epidemiological study conducted on this topic. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) found that individual urinary metals, such as cadmium, tungsten, uranium, cobalt, copper, and zinc, were associated with a higher incidence of CVD events and death over a period of more than 17 years.
The study revealed alarming statistics regarding the relationship between specific metals and health outcomes. For instance, cadmium was associated with a 25% increased risk of CVD and a 68% higher risk of death, while copper showed a 42% increased risk of CVD and a 50% higher risk of death. The study also indicated a linear dose-response relationship between cadmium and copper levels and incident CVD and mortality.
The implications of these findings are significant, as they suggest that urinary metal levels can serve as a robust predictor of CVD risk and all-cause mortality. The associations found in this study align with previous research linking these metals to coronary artery calcification, highlighting the role of atherosclerosis in mediating the impact of metals on clinical events.
While some metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead, are already recognized as contaminant metals and CVD risk factors, others like tungsten and cobalt remain less studied and unregulated. The lack of regulation for these metals in public drinking water raises concerns about their potential health effects and underscores the need for further research to understand their sources of exposure and internal dose.
The study also emphasized the importance of reducing environmental exposure to harmful metals, particularly in underserved communities that may be disproportionately affected. Efforts to minimize metal exposure could help mitigate health disparities related to heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
While cobalt, copper, and zinc are essential metals that are tightly regulated in the body, elevated levels in the urine may signify early cardiometabolic dysregulation. High levels of essential metals could indicate an excess in exposure or a depletion of body reserves, suggesting dysfunction in metabolism that often precedes cardiovascular disease.
The findings of this study shed light on the complex relationship between metal exposure and cardiovascular health. By identifying specific metals associated with increased CVD risk and mortality, researchers and public health officials can work towards minimizing environmental exposure and promoting heart health in diverse populations. Continued research in this area is crucial to understanding the full scope of metal-related health effects and developing effective strategies for prevention and intervention.