What is the link between lead poisoning and heart issues?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 42 years old. I had a heart attack 12 years ago and now have three stents. By the way, I have no family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol and anything of that nature. I am a disabled military veteran and am 40% disabled as a result of being exposed to lead and asbestos during my time in service. I am drawing disability for chronic or acute sinusitis and migraine headaches. It is my contention that my heart complications are a result of being under those same conditions while in the service. I had not had any health issues nor any family history of heart issues leading up to these complications. This is a battle I have been fighting for nearly ten years. I have provided case studies, online articles and most recently, feedback from a cardiologist that stated that there has been findings that there is a correlation between lead and asbestos exposure and heart disease. Even when I was able to obtain that particular feedback, they are now requiring additional documentation. I am reaching out to you in an effort to get an open and honest opinion. The veterans administration is asking the following. Is there a greater than 50% chance that my exposure to lead and asbestos during my service time could have lead to my heart disease and heart attack? I have also included some articles below that back up the correlation between the two.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It saddens me to hear of the whole difficulties you have gone through in the past years. I must recommend you for staying strong in the face of all these difficulties. I have thoroughly gone through all your detailed explanation and here is my view. Although I have not had clinical experience of a patient with such complications, I have thoroughly researched to find enough evidence to bring me to the conclusion that lead poisoning can lead to heart diseases and stroke, but no much evidence of asbestos causing cardiovascular diseases. These below are my findings. In a study that involved 60,000 participants, it was concluded that lead poisoning was associated with cardiovascular events. Most commonly but not limited to hypertension, especially in lead blood levels below 5 μg/dL. Another article also detailed the complications of lead poisoning to the cardiovascular system, although the mechanism is unknown. A study by the Harvard school of public health (HSPH) also detailed the effects of bone lead to increase cardiovascular complications. In my conclusion, there is more than 50% chance of a cardiovascular complication due to lead poisoning. Although they might argue the fact that only a few cases have been reported. I feel strongly that more than 50% of it caused your heart complications. Your level of lead exposure will help your case.