A study from Columbia University reveals that environmental metal exposure significantly contributes to coronary artery calcium (CAC) buildup, comparable to traditional risk factors like smoking and diabetes.
The decade-long study, involving over 6,000 participants, found that elevated levels of metals such as cadmium, tungsten, and uranium in urine were linked to increased arterial plaque, a precursor to atherosclerosis.
This research suggests new strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease by addressing metal exposure.
The findings highlight the urgent need for regulatory actions to reduce environmental pollutants, particularly from industries like agriculture, mining, and nuclear energy production, which contribute to widespread metal contamination.
Even low levels of exposure pose significant risks to cardiovascular health. ‘Pollution is the greatest environmental risk to cardiovascular health,’ said Dr. Katlyn E. McGraw, the study’s lead author.
Published in the Journal of the Ame
rican College of Cardiology, the research calls for heightened awareness and stricter regulations to limit metal exposure and protect public health.
These findings underscore the critical need for pollution control in combating cardiovascular disease.
Source: Oman News Agency