Calcium and Magnesium in Groundwater and Heart Attack Risk in Rural Finland
Author Information
Author(s): Kousa Anne, Havulinna Aki S., Moltchanova Elena, Taskinen Olli, Nikkarinen Maria, Eriksson Johan, Karvonen Marjatta
Primary Institution: Geological Survey of Finland
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between the calcium and magnesium content in local groundwater and the incidence of acute myocardial infarction among men in rural Finland?
Conclusion
The study found that a higher calcium to magnesium ratio in groundwater is associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction.
Supporting Evidence
- Each 1 mg/L increment in magnesium level decreased the AMI risk by 4.9%.
- A one unit increment in the calcium to magnesium ratio increased the risk of AMI by 3.1%.
- Calcium and chromium did not show any statistically significant effect on AMI incidence.
Takeaway
Drinking water with too much calcium compared to magnesium can make heart attacks more likely for people living in rural Finland.
Methodology
The study used Bayesian modeling and geospatial data to analyze the relationship between groundwater composition and heart attack incidence.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from using aggregate data and not accounting for individual water supply sources.
Limitations
The study is ecologic and cannot establish causation; it relies on average exposure data rather than individual-level data.
Participant Demographics
Men aged 35–74 living in rural areas of Finland.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% HDR (494–511)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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