Abstract
Epidemiological studies have linked high levels (>200 microg/L) of chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking-water with elevated risks of several vascular diseases. In this pilot study, the association between low-level arsenic exposure and carotid artery intimal-medial thickness (IMT) was evaluated among 66 healthy, normotensive, relatively young individuals (mean age 35 years) participating in the ongoing Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study in Bangladesh. Participants with a higher carotid IMT (>0.75 mm) in general had higher levels of past chronic exposure of arsenic than those with a lower carotid IMT (< or = 0.75 mm). Although the differences in average arsenic exposure between the two groups were not statistically significant, the findings suggest a possible association between low-level arsenic exposure from drinking-water and carotid atherosclerosis, warranting the need for larger studies.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Age Distribution
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Arsenic Poisoning / complications*
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Arsenic Poisoning / epidemiology
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Arsenic Poisoning / prevention & control
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Arsenic Poisoning / urine
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Bangladesh / epidemiology
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Carotid Arteries / diagnostic imaging
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Carotid Arteries / pathology*
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Carotid Artery Diseases / chemically induced*
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Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnosis
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Carotid Artery Diseases / epidemiology
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Chi-Square Distribution
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Chronic Disease
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Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
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Environmental Exposure / analysis
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Environmental Exposure / statistics & numerical data
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Epidemiologic Studies
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Female
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Follow-Up Studies
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Humans
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Logistic Models
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Male
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Pilot Projects
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Population Surveillance
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Risk Factors
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Tunica Intima / diagnostic imaging
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Tunica Intima / pathology*
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Ultrasonography
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Water Pollutants, Chemical / adverse effects*
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Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis
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Water Supply / analysis
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Water Supply / statistics & numerical data
Substances
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Water Pollutants, Chemical