Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Magnesium and trace metals: risk factors for coronary heart disease - associations between blood levels and angiographic findings

Journal Article · · Circulation; (United States)
A deficiency or an excessive intake of metals with cardiovascular effects is suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD) and sudden death. Therefore, in 106 patients undergoing coronary arteriography, serum levels of six essential metals (magnesium, chromium, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc) and whole blood concentrations of two elements without known essential function (cadmium and lead) were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, including the flameless technique, or neutron activation analysis. Our results suggest that a deficiency of magnesium but not of the other metals studied may be present in patients with severe CHD; elevated serum copper and manganese levels do not play a role in the development of CHD in the sample of patients studied; and cigarette smoking may be associated with increased serum cadmium levels, which may explain in part the contribution of smoking to the risk of sudden death in patients with CHD.
Research Organization:
Medizinische Universitatsklinik, Heidelberg, West Germany
OSTI ID:
5764496
Journal Information:
Circulation; (United States), Journal Name: Circulation; (United States) Vol. 64:4; ISSN CIRCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English