Exposure to lead and mercury increases cholesterol levels

Higher levels of lead and other heavy metals detected in the blood were associated with higher levels of lower density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol, according to a preliminary study to be presented in Chicago during the sessions. 2018 scientists from the American Heart Association.

Researchers looked at information from NHANES 2009-2012, a nationally representative database that includes cholesterol levels and blood levels of heavy metals in American adults. They found a significant difference between those with the lowest concentrations of heavy metals in the blood and those who had the highest, with LDL levels gradually increasing as the level of lead increased.

Compared to those with the lowest levels of a metal, those with the highest:

• were 56% more likely to have higher total cholesterol if they had the highest level of lead;
• were 73% more likely to have higher total cholesterol if they had the highest mercury levels;
• had a 41% higher risk of elevated total cholesterol if their cadmium levels were among the highest; and
• were 22% more likely to have higher bad cholesterol if they had the highest lead levels.

In addition, mercury levels increased by 23% the chance of getting higher LDL levels among those who were in the middle for their heavy metal levels, compared to those at the lowest level. The increase in cholesterol observed with the increase in heavy metal levels in the blood could have cardiovascular consequences in people exposed to heavy metals, as in areas affected by a water crisis. disaster. This suggests the need to screen for heavy metals as a risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, noted the authors.

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