Heavy metals and cardiovascular health: Uncovering links and health challenges

IF 3.6 3区医学 Q2 BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology Pub Date : 2025-04-09 DOI:10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127648

Yogita Ozarde, Dishank Purandare, Shreya Deshmukh, Ranjit Gadhave

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, along with emerging contaminants, pose significant threats to cardiovascular health. These metals are linked to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and epigenetic alterations, contributing to various cardiovascular diseases.

Aim

This review synthesizes current research on the pathways by which heavy metal exposure affects cardiovascular health, highlighting epidemiological trends, vulnerable populations, and potential preventive strategies.

Methods

A comprehensive review of molecular mechanisms, epidemiological studies, and public health data was conducted to elucidate the links between heavy metal exposure and cardiovascular health.

Results

Mechanisms of Toxicity: Heavy metals induce oxidative stress and inflammation, impair endothelial function, and disrupt calcium signaling. These effects culminate in hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial dysfunction, and other cardiovascular pathologies.

Epidemiological Trends: Evidence links even low-level exposures to increased Cardio Vascular Disease risk. Regional trends show elevated risks in areas with significant industrial activity or contaminated water supplies.

Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals in low-income or industrially polluted regions exhibit heightened susceptibility.

Preventive Strategies: Regulatory actions, improved water safety, dietary interventions, and community awareness are critical in mitigating exposure and its health impacts.

Conclusions

Environmental exposure to heavy metals significantly elevates cardiovascular disease risk, particularly among vulnerable groups. Urgent public health measures and further research are needed to address the cumulative and synergistic effects of these toxicants.

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重金属与心血管健康：揭示联系与健康挑战

重金属，包括铅、汞、镉和砷，以及新出现的污染物，对心血管健康构成重大威胁。这些金属与氧化应激、内皮功能障碍、炎症和表观遗传改变有关，导致各种心血管疾病。目的本文综述了重金属暴露影响心血管健康的途径，重点介绍了流行病学趋势、易感人群和潜在的预防策略。方法综合评述重金属暴露与心血管健康之间的分子机制、流行病学研究和公共卫生数据。结果重金属中毒机制：诱导氧化应激和炎症，损害内皮功能，破坏钙信号。这些影响最终导致高血压、动脉粥样硬化、心肌功能障碍和其他心血管疾病。流行病学趋势：证据表明，即使是低水平的暴露也会增加心血管疾病的风险。区域趋势显示，在工业活动较多或供水受到污染的地区，风险较高。弱势群体：儿童、老年人和低收入或工业污染地区的个人表现出更高的易感性。预防战略：管制行动、改善水安全、饮食干预和社区意识对于减轻接触及其对健康的影响至关重要。结论重金属环境暴露可显著提高心血管疾病风险，特别是在弱势群体中。需要紧急的公共卫生措施和进一步的研究，以解决这些毒物的累积效应和协同效应。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 医学-内分泌学与代谢

CiteScore

6.60

自引率

2.90%

发文量

202

审稿时长

85 days

期刊介绍： The journal provides the reader with a thorough description of theoretical and applied aspects of trace elements in medicine and biology and is devoted to the advancement of scientific knowledge about trace elements and trace element species. Trace elements play essential roles in the maintenance of physiological processes. During the last decades there has been a great deal of scientific investigation about the function and binding of trace elements. The Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology focuses on the description and dissemination of scientific results concerning the role of trace elements with respect to their mode of action in health and disease and nutritional importance. Progress in the knowledge of the biological role of trace elements depends, however, on advances in trace elements chemistry. Thus the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology will include only those papers that base their results on proven analytical methods. Also, we only publish those articles in which the quality assurance regarding the execution of experiments and achievement of results is guaranteed.