Assessment of the relationship between vascular diseases and exposure to toxic metals

Aims: Understanding the factors in the etiology of vascular diseases is crucial for prevention. This study assesses the relationship between toxic metal exposure and vascular disease development. Methods: Blood samples from 41 healthy volunteers and 48 cardiovascular disease patients were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The participants' health data were obtained from hospital records. Results: ICP-MS results showed higher levels of As (5.97 µg/L), Cd (0.44 µg/L), Hg (0.48 µg/L), Pb (37.10 µg/L), Se (75.76 µg/L), Cu (1611.99 µg/L), Mn (14.55 µg/L), Co (0.14 µg/L), Mo (1.93 µg/L), and Ni (0.25 µg/L) in the experimental group. Conversely, Zn (557.0 µg/L), Cr (4.12 µg/L), and Sb (2.35 µg/L) levels were lower. Triglyceride (135.99 mg/dl), folate (8.77 ng/dl), and T3 (1.30 ng/dl) were higher, while HDL (44.13 mg/dl) was lower in the experimental group. Conclusion: These findings suggest a potential relationship between higher exposure to certain toxic metals and the development of vascular diseases. The higher concentrations of toxic metals in the blood of patients with vascular diseases underline the need for further research to confirm these associations and explore potential mechanisms.