Arsenic and Blood Pressure: A Long-Term Relationship

This study definitely clarifies that [association]. It shows it’s extremely important to have prospective data.” Working with a field staff of more than 100 people, the authors of the current study analyzed blood pressure readings taken from each cohort member four times between October 2000 and March 2009, with the initial measurements serving as a baseline. To assess arsenic exposure, they tested well water and urine samples collected at each of the four visits. The results showed positive associations between arsenic exposure, whether measured in well water or urine samples, and annual increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These associations were stronger among participants who were oldest at baseline.2 Even when controlling for age, sex, smoking status, educational status, and diabetes history, the researchers saw an average annual increase in systolic blood pressure of 0.43 mmHg for participants exposed to medium-low levels of arsenic in groundwater (12–62 µg/L), 0.54 mmHg for those exposed to medium-high levels (62–148 µg/L), and 0.48 mmHg for those exposed to high levels (above 148 µg/L), as compared with the control group, which was exposed to levels below 12 µg/L. The authors speculate that baseline blood pressure could have already been affected significantly by past arsenic exposure, such that only a limited increase could be further observed.2 The results thus reveal a nonmonotonic dose response, in which individuals exposed to the highes...
Source: EHP Research - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Featured News Science Selection Arsenic August 2015 Cardiovascular Health Drinking Water Quality Source Type: research