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[Heavy metal and trace element deviations. A comparison of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and coronary heart
R Smetana1, D Glogar, F Weidinger
1Universitätsklinik für Arbeitsmedizin Wien.
Insights
Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) patients exhibit higher blood cadmium and lower serum zinc levels compared to coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Both groups show low magnesium, necessitating clinical follow-up and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases like idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) and coronary heart disease (CHD) affect millions globally.
- Trace elements and heavy metals play crucial roles in cardiac function and disease pathogenesis.
- Understanding mineral and metal imbalances in these conditions is vital for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare blood, serum, and urine concentrations of cadmium, zinc, calcium, and magnesium in patients with IDC versus CHD.
- To investigate potential correlations between these element levels and clinical data in both patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to quantify cadmium, zinc, calcium, and magnesium.
- Analysis included blood, serum, and 24-hour urine samples from 60 patients (30 IDC, 30 CHD).
- Data were compared between groups and correlated with clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- IDC patients had significantly higher blood cadmium (p<0.001) and lower serum zinc (p<0.001) than CHD patients.
- IDC patients showed lower urinary calcium (p<0.01) and magnesium (p<0.01) compared to CHD patients.
- No significant differences in serum calcium or magnesium, or urinary cadmium/zinc, were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Distinct differences in cadmium and zinc metabolism exist between IDC and CHD.
- Hypomagnesemia is prevalent in both IDC and CHD patients, warranting clinical attention and potential supplementation.
- Further research into heavy metal and trace element interactions in cardiovascular disease is recommended.
Abstract:
Blood, serum and urine (24-hour-samples) concentrations of cadmium, zinc, calcium and magnesium were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 60 patients, therefrom 30 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) and 30 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The data of heavy metal and trace element concentrations of IDC and CHD patients were compared with each other and furthermore, for each group separately, correlated with patients history data, laboratory evaluations and data from heart catherization protocol. IDC patients showed higher blood cadmium concentrations (p less than 0.001) and lower serum zinc concentrations (p less than 0.001) compared to CHD patients. Serum levels of calcium and magnesium were not different in both groups. In urine samples IDC patients had lower concentrations of calcium (p less than 0.01) and magnesium (p less than 0.01) compared to CHD patients. Urine concentrations of cadmium and zinc were in the same range in both groups. The comparison of heavy metal and trace element concentrations with clinical data did not reveal definite correlations, however, data from experimental studies pointing out interactions of heavy metals and trace elements, could serve as useful interpretations. Hypomagnesemia in both patient groups (IDC, CHD) requires clinical follow up and substitution treatment.