What is known about topic

Cd is an environmental pollutant implicated in reproductive, cancer and cardiovascular disease health outcomes, but the association with hypertension has been inconsistent. The main source of Cd exposure is through smoking, which is preventable.

What this study adds

This study identified a relationship between long-term Cd body burden, as measured in urine, with increased blood pressure in American Indians, a population with above national average Cd burden and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The associations were independent of smoking, suggesting other sources of Cd exposure. These findings have implications for public health promotion and policies in relation to exposure to Cd and potentially to other toxic metals.