Heavy metals heart risk

EXPOSURE to heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium and copper may cause an increase in heart problems, a study has found.

They appear to have a significant link to a rise in the risk of coronary heart disease, Cambridge University researchers say.

The toxic metals are also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, they report in the British Medical Journal.

Exposure may come from industrial pollution, pesticides, water or food.

Chief researcher Dr Rajiv Chowdhury said: ‘While people shouldn’t be overly worried about any immediate health risk, it should send a message to policymakers that we need to take action to reduce people’s exposure.’