Research indicates that even low levels of lead exposure can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases as well as an array of other health problems.

A systematic review of lead exposure and cardiovascular disease was conducted in March of 2007. The study’s authors concluded, “…that the evidence is sufficient to infer a causal relationship of lead exposure with hypertension.” Alarmingly, this association was observed in those with blood lead levels at less than 5 micrograms per deciliter; traditionally medical professionals have not been concerned until it reaches 10 micrograms per deciliter in children.

Later in 2007, another study found that lead exposure (measured as a cumulative build up of lead in bones) and stress seemed to work hand in hand to raise systolic blood pressure in older adult males. And another study is believed to have found a link between bone loss and high blood pressure in post-menopausal women. It would appear that the lead stored in bones can leak back into the bloodstream as aging bones start to thin and the women in the study who averaged 6.4 micrograms per deciliter of lead in the blood were 40% more likely to have high blood pressure than those with about 1 microgram per deciliter.

It is believed that lead may cause high blood pressure by over stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and reducing the body’s production of a hormone called aldosterone.

For more information visit:

“Can Lead Cause High Blood Pressure?” Question and Answer by Dr. Weil 4/30/2003. Can be viewed online at http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA244323.

“Heart1: Menopause Linked to High Blood Pressure” Heart 1 website March 25, 2003. Can be found at http://heart1.com./news/mainstory.cfm/89

“Lead Exposure and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review
Ana Navas-Acien, Eliseo Guallar, Ellen K. Silbergeld and Stephen J. Rothenberg” Environmental Health Perspectives
Vol. 115, No. 3 (Mar., 2007), pp. 472-482. Can be found online at http://www.jstor.org/pss/4133186

“Lead levels in children affect CV response to stress” by Lisa Nainggolan. theheart.org. [Clinical Conditions > Hypertension > Hypertension]; Apr 20, 2009. Accessed at http://www.theheart.org/article/961563.do on May 12, 2011

“Stress as a Potential Modifier of the Impact of Lead Levels on Blood Pressure: The Normative Aging Study.” Peters JL, Kubzansky L, McNeely E, Schwartz J, Spiro A III, et al. 2007. Environ Health Perspect 115(8): doi:10.1289/ehp.10002