| Ingestion of arsenic in drinking water appears to induce several forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, no epidemiologic data has been provided as to the mechanisms used by arsenic to promote CVD. This study assessed the effects of arsenic at concentrations of 45 ug/l on the levels of blood pressure and five markers of cardiovascular disease health: Glycosylated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, von Willebrand Factor antigen, fibrinogen degradation products and fibrinogen during pregnancy. The distributions of blood pressure and markers levels were compared between two Chilean cities. In addition, the effect of cumulative exposure on the marker levels was assessed in the exposed city (Antofagasta). After controlling for potential confounding, the analyses showed the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin to be higher in the exposed city of Antofagasta (6.9% ± 0.97 vs. 6.5 ± 1.3); while the levels of von Willebrand factor were higher in Valparaiso (245.6 ± 125 U/DI vs. 279.4 ± 132.4 U/DL). Women in Antofagasta were twice as likely to have levels of glycosylated hemoglobin over 6.5%, OR = 2.5(1.3–.7), and 3 times more likely to have levels below 193 U/DI (OR = 2.7(1.4–5.2). Dose response analysis did not show any significant trends, possibility due to a small sample size. The rest of the markers did not show any differences between the two cities. Blood pressure analysis did not show any difference between the levels or the changes of blood pressure during pregnancy for the exposed (Antofagasta) and unexposed (Valparaiso) cities. These results suggest arsenic at low levels still causes damage to the endothelial system, and alters the glycemic status. Thus, the results from this study suggest that even at low levels the cardiovascular system is disrupted by the oxidative effects of arsenic. |
