Environmental Heavy Metal Exposure and Associated Cardiovascular Diseases in Light of the Triglyceride Glucose Index.

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), primarily ischemic heart disease and stroke, remain leading global health burdens. Environmental risk factors have a major role in the development of CVD, particularly exposure to heavy metals. The Triglyceride Glucose Index (TyG), a measure of insulin resistance and CVD risk, is the primary focus of this study, which summarizes the most recent findings on the effects of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) on CVD risk. A higher risk of CVD is correlated with an elevated TyG index, which has been linked to insulin resistance. Exposure to Cd is associated with disturbance of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, which increases the risk of CVD and TyG. Exposure reduces insulin secretion and signaling, which raises the TyG index and causes dyslipidemia. Pb exposure increases the risk of CVD and TyG index via causing oxidative stress and pancreatic β-cell destruction. These results highlight the need of reducing heavy metal exposure by lifestyle and environmental modifications in order to lower the risk of CVD. To comprehend the mechanisms and create practical management plans for health hazards associated with heavy metals, more study is required.