Arsenic Upsets Heartbeat: Possible Early Warning for Cardiovascular Risk
2007
Arsenic and Heartbeat Abnormalities
Sample size: 313
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Kris Freeman
Hypothesis
Does chronic arsenic exposure affect the electrical signals that regulate heartbeat?
Conclusion
Chronic arsenic exposure is linked to prolonged QTc intervals, which may indicate increased cardiovascular risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Prolonged QTc intervals were observed in 3.9% of the low exposure group, 11.1% of the medium exposure group, and 20.6% of the high exposure group.
- Women were more susceptible to the effects of arsenic on QTc intervals than men.
- Age, smoking, and pesticide exposure did not affect the association between arsenic exposure and QTc intervals.
Takeaway
Drinking water with arsenic can make your heart beat irregularly, which is not good for your health.
Methodology
The study measured QTc intervals using electrocardiography in participants from villages exposed to arsenic.
Limitations
The study may not account for all potential confounding factors affecting QTc intervals.
Participant Demographics
168 men and 145 women from four villages in Ba Men, Inner Mongolia.
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