Effect of combined exposure to lead, mercury, and cadmium on hypertension: the 2008-2013 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

  • 0Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Department of Research Institute).
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health +

|

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Many studies have demonstrated the effects of heavy metals on hypertension. However, to date, no study has used the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) to analyze the effects of combined exposure to heavy metals on hypertension. Therefore, this study inferred the study population using weights based on a rolling sample and used standardized scores to estimate the effects of combined exposure to heavy metals on hypertension.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors used raw participant data from KNHANES (2008-2013), when heavy metal levels in the blood were measured. The authors analyzed the effects of lead, mercury, and cadmium on hypertension. The authors calculated standardized scores based on a regression analysis to analyze the effects of combined exposure. The odds ratios (ORs) of hypertension due to heavy metals were calculated using multivariate logistic regression, with the lowest quartile as the reference category.

RESULTS

In the crude regression analysis, lead, mercury, and cadmium exposure were associated with significant differences in the rate of hypertension (p < 0.05). However, when other heavy metals were included as covariates, only lead (OR = 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.55) and cadmium (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.24-1.74) showed significant effects (p < 0.01). When the authors analyzed the effects of combined exposure to heavy metals, the OR of hypertension for the highest quartile, relative to the lowest quartile, was 1.78 (95% CI: 1.50-2.11, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that heavy metal exposure was significantly associated with hypertension prevalence (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study verified that heavy metal exposure affects the prevalence of hypertension and that combined exposure to multiple heavy metals is associated with a higher risk of hypertension than exposure to a single heavy metal. Further research is necessary to screen for heavy metal-related risk factors and evaluate whether the interactions between heavy metals are positive or negative. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(3).

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure 01:18

1.9K

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...

Types of Toxins 01:36

1.7K

Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...

Factors affecting Blood pressure 01:28

3.0K

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:

• Age: As individuals age, their arteries become stiffer and lose elasticity. This reduction in elasticity hinders the arteries' ability to dilate and absorb pressure changes, often resulting in higher systolic pressures in older adults due to decreased elasticity.
...

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System 01:18

588

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 01:30

50

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease 01:27

26

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...