Cardiovascular effects of arsenic: clinical and epidemiological findings

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2014 Jan;21(1):244-51. doi: 10.1007/s11356-013-2113-z. Epub 2013 Sep 10.

Abstract

Several population studies relate exposure to high levels of arsenic with an increased incidence of ischemic heart disease and cardiovascular mortality. An association has been shown between exposure to high levels of arsenic and cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and vascular damage such as subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. The mechanisms underlying these phenomena are currently being studied and appear to indicate an alteration of vascular function. However, the effects of low levels of exposure to arsenic and their potential detrimental cardiovascular effect are less explored. The article provides an overview of the pathophysiologic mechanisms linking low-level arsenic exposure to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and its complications, and some potential preventive strategies to implement.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arsenic / metabolism
  • Arsenic / toxicity*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Environmental Exposure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Arsenic