When you think about factors that increase your risk of developing hardening of the arteries and heart problems, you probably think about genetics, an unhealthy diet and spending too much time on the couch instead of exercising.

I bet the words “toxic heavy metals” never come to mind, but they should…

Exposure to heavy metals has become a newly recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease — a fact that recent studies have made clear.

And now we have a clearer picture of why…

The heavy metal burden on coronary arteries

Past research has shown that heavy metal exposure can be worse on the heart than smoking or high cholesterol — both traditional factors for coronary artery calcification (CAC).

CAC is the build-up of calcium in your heart’s two main arteries that causes them to narrow and makes it harder for blood to get through. CAC can predict your risk of cardiovascular disease and lead to chest pain or a heart attack.

Researchers at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health set out to see what happens to coronary arteries when heavy metal builds up in the body.

They tracked both CAC and heavy metal levels in over 6,400 men and women over 10 years. They found that exposure to heavy metals was associated with the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Results showed that participants with the highest urinary metal levels also had the highest levels of coronary artery calcium (CAC), both at baseline and in repeat measures over those 10 years:

• Cadmium (nonessential): CAC 51% higher at baseline and 75% higher over 10 years
• Tungsten (nonessential): CAC 13% higher and 45% higher, respectively
• Uranium (nonessential): CAC 17% higher and 39% higher, respectively
• Cobalt (essential): CAC 29% higher and 47% higher, respectively
• Copper (essential): CAC 15% higher and 33% higher, respectively
• Zinc (essential): CAC 54% higher and 57% higher, respectively

“Our findings highlight the importance of considering metal exposure as a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and CVD,” said Katlyn E. McGraw, PhD, lead author of the study. “This could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies that target metal exposure.”

Chipping away at heavy metal exposure

Unfortunately, heavy metals are all around us — in the air we breathe, the soil that grows our food, and the water we drink.

Heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead can be found in dark chocolate, as well as common spices like cumin and coriander. They’re also lurking in rice, fruit juices and plant-based milks.

This makes it virtually impossible to avoid heavy metal exposure. But you can do something about how they build up in your body.

EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid) is a chelating agent introduced decades ago to treat lead poisoning. It has also been used in the treatment of cardiovascular and neurological conditions. And in addition to lead, it’s reported to remove cadmium and mercury, possibly others.

Chelation is simply the process of chemically binding heavy metals so they can be pulled from the bloodstream and excreted through urine.

In cases of acute heavy metal poisoning, EDTA chelation can be administered through IV by a trained physician. The American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) has such a training program and a directory of practitioners.

EDTA is also available in supplement form that works over time. Heavy metals accumulate in the body from ongoing exposure, making maintenance necessary.

While we often focus on traditional risk factors for heart disease, it’s crucial to recognize the significant impact that heavy metals can have on cardiovascular health. Natural chelators can help us take proactive steps toward supporting our heart health and overall well-being.

Sources:

Coronary Artery Calcification — Cleveland Clinic

Metal exposure can increase cardiovascular disease risk — EurekAlert!

Metal Exposure Also Linked to More Coronary Artery Calcium — MEDPAGETODAY

When your urine test finds heavy metals and heart trouble — Easy Health Options