Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Previous studies have suggested that cadmium (Cd) exposure and serum ferritin levels may influence the development of hypertension. We evaluated whether the association between blood Cd levels and the development of hypertension could be modified by serum ferritin levels in a representative sample of the adult population of South Korea. METHODS: We used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2012), a nationally representative, cross-sectional, population-based study. We included 6,816 adults aged 19 years and older who had records of blood Cd and ferritin levels and blood pressure measurements. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between Cd exposure and the development of hypertension, as well as the modifying effects of serum ferritin. RESULTS:Men had higher levels of serum ferritin, and women had higher levels of Cd. Smoking in men was significantly associated with high blood pressure and risk of hypertension. Significantly less women were smokers, and the combination of abnormal serum ferritin levels and high Cd levels was significantly associated with high systolic blood pressure (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 1.45–6.39) in women who never smoked. CONCLUSIONS:Our results provide further evidence that individuals with abnormal serum ferritin levels should limit their exposure to Cd to prevent hypertension. KEYWORDS: Heavy metals, Obesity and metabolic disorders

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