Cadmium and hypertension in exposed workers: A meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: In the general population, cadmium seems to be responsible for hypertension, atherosclerosis and an increase in acute coronary events. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze controlled studies conducted on cadmium and arterial pressure in occupationally-exposed workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After analyzing all the relevant articles found in the literature, 6 publications were selected. RESULTS: A higher prevalence of hypertension and higher values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded in the exposed subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Cadmium in occupationally-exposed individuals appears to induce an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and an increase in the prevalence of hypertension.