Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
This systematic review analyzes the relationship between cadmium exposure and clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), providing an in-depth look at how cadmium—found in tobacco, food, and the environment—serves as a risk factor for cardiovascular health. The review collates data from multiple epidemiological studies, including prospective cohorts and cross-sectional analyses, and evaluates the pooled relative risks associated with cadmium exposure. The meta-analysis strengthens the evidence supporting cadmium as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, particularly for coronary heart disease (CHD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The review emphasizes the need for further studies to explore cadmium’s role in stroke and heart failure, with a focus on low-to-moderate exposure levels.
Who is affected?
The findings from this systematic review concern a wide range of populations exposed to cadmium, both directly and indirectly. Populations most affected include smokers, who have the highest levels of cadmium exposure, as well as individuals living in areas with cadmium-polluted environments. Non-smokers, especially those consuming contaminated vegetables, are also at risk, though the evidence for cadmium-related cardiovascular risk in this group remains inconclusive. Public health authorities, clinicians, and food manufacturers must recognize the potential health risks of cadmium exposure and consider strategies for exposure reduction. Industry stakeholders should be aware of regulatory pressures and public health initiatives aimed at controlling cadmium contamination in food and air.
Most important findings
The review highlights several key findings, including that cadmium exposure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial disease. In the studies reviewed, the relative risk estimates ranged from 1.21 for CVD to 1.49 for PAD, with consistent evidence in men but mixed results in women. The evidence for stroke and heart failure outcomes was limited, with small study populations. Furthermore, cadmium biomarkers—urine and blood—were found to reflect cumulative exposure, reinforcing their usefulness in monitoring exposure levels in populations. However, studies reporting associations with cardiovascular outcomes were often confounded by factors like smoking status, and more prospective studies are needed to clarify these associations.
Key implications
For the food industry, these findings reinforce the need for enhanced monitoring of cadmium in food products, particularly those derived from plants like leafy greens and root vegetables that are prone to cadmium accumulation in contaminated soils. Regulatory bodies may need to update safety standards for cadmium in food, air, and water to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risks. Public health initiatives should prioritize awareness campaigns about cadmium exposure, especially in high-risk groups, and emphasize strategies like reducing smoking, improving environmental controls, and promoting safe agricultural practices. Future regulations may integrate cadmium exposure limits more closely into food certification processes, ensuring safer levels of exposure across the food supply chain.
Citation
Tellez-Plaza, M., Jones, M. R., Dominguez-Lucas, A., Guallar, E., & Navas-Acien, A. (2013). Cadmium Exposure and Clinical Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review. Current Atherosclerosis Reports, 15(10), 10.1007/s11883-013-0356-2. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-013-0356-2
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
