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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Aggravation of Myocardial Ischemia upon Particulate Matter Exposure in Atherosclerosis Animal Model
Published on: December 10, 2021
Metal pollutants and cardiovascular disease: mechanisms and consequences of exposure
Natalia V Solenkova1, Jonathan D Newman2, Jeffrey S Berger2
1Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL.
Introduction:
There is epidemiological evidence that metal contaminants may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. Moreover, a recent clinical trial of a metal chelator had a surprisingly positive result in reducing cardiovascular events in a secondary prevention population, strengthening the link between metal exposure and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This is, therefore, an opportune moment to review evidence that exposure to metal pollutants, such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, is a significant risk factor for CVD.
Methods:
We reviewed the English-speaking medical literature to assess and present the epidemiological evidence that 4 metals having no role in the human body (xenobiotic), mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic, have epidemiologic and mechanistic links to atherosclerosis and CVD. Moreover, we briefly review how the results of the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) strengthen the link between atherosclerosis and xenobiotic metal contamination in humans.
Conclusions:
There is strong evidence that xenobiotic metal contamination is linked to atherosclerotic disease and is a modifiable risk factor.
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