Atherosclerosis and hypertension induction by lead and cadmium ions: an effect prevented by calcium ion.

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Abstract
In epidemiological studies, positive and negative correlations have been found between cardiovascular disease and mortality and the presence of several inorganic ions in the drinking water. In an attempt to resolve this apparent disagreement, White Carneau pigeons were exposed to drinking water containing Ca (100 ppm), Mg (30 ppm), Pb (0.8 ppm) or Cd (0.6 ppm) and used a 24-factorial design to measure the effects of these elements in atherosclerosis and hypertension. Pb and Cd induced aortic atherosclerosis and hypertension, and Ca protected against the cardiovascular effects of Cd. The effects of Pb and Cd were promoted by Mg, and there were indications that Mg antagonized the atherosclerotic protective effect of Ca. If these results could be applied to humans, the incidence of aortic atherosclerosis and hypertension should be significantly higher in areas where the drinking water contains Mg, Pb and Cd with a relatively low Ca concentration. If hard and soft water produced similar levels of Pb and Cd uptakes, the level of Mg may be an additional factor in aortic atherosclerosis.