Lead exposure plays little-noticed role in cardiovascular deaths

Lead may be out of gasoline and paint, but its effects linger in our bodies, particularly in our hearts. While it may seem like lead poisoning is a thing of the past, recent studies have shown that lead continues to pose a significant risk to our cardiovascular health.

A new study published in JAMA has shed light on the long-lasting impact of lead exposure on our hearts. The research, which analyzed lead levels in bones, found that lead can elevate blood pressure, damage blood vessels, and increase the risk of death from heart attacks. In fact, lead has moved up to the eighth position on the global list of leading risk factors for death by coronary artery disease.

Lead exposure is not just a thing of the past. It can still be found in and around factories that produce lead-acid batteries, contaminated soil used for growing food, as well as in everyday products like cosmetics, medicines, e-cigarettes, and electronic waste. The study followed more than 42,000 people over a span of 25 years and found that lead exposure was linked to over 1,700 cardiovascular deaths. Globally, the authors attributed 3.5 million deaths in 2023 to lead exposure.

Lead poisoning has a long history, dating back to ancient times. The industrial age brought a surge of lead into the environment, leading to widespread exposure. While lead levels have decreased significantly in the past 50 years due to measures like removing lead from gasoline and paint, the effects of past exposure still linger. Older individuals who grew up during a time of high lead exposure are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Lead weakens blood vessels from the inside, causing oxidative stress and interfering with the production of nitric oxide, which helps regulate blood pressure. It can displace essential minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc in the body, leading to a buildup of lead in the bones. As people age, lead can leach out from the bones and increase blood pressure, further contributing to cardiovascular disease.

Efforts to reduce lead exposure must be sustained to prevent long-term cardiovascular damage. Global equity in lead exposure reduction is crucial, as lower-income countries still face high levels of lead exposure. Urgency is needed to eliminate lead from our environment and protect our cardiovascular health.

Lead may no longer be as prevalent in gasoline and paint, but its impact on our hearts is far from over. It’s time to prioritize the elimination of lead exposure to prevent further cardiovascular damage and protect the health of future generations.