Background
Chronic exposure to lead has been associated with elevated systolic blood pressure and risk of hypertension. Recently published studies have shown that lead exposure contributes significantly to the global burden of cardiovascular disease, with great economic and human costs. It has been assumed that the increased risk of cardiovascular disease is linked to the risk of hypertension. However, there is no recent systematic review and meta-analysis that deals with the relationship between lead exposure and systolic blood pressure.
We investigate in the project
The project is a systematic review of scientific studies of adults (>18 years) where lead has been measured in blood or bone tissue, and with concomitant blood pressure measurements. This also includes occupational studies of lead exposed workers. Studies where other causes of high blood pressure can be ruled out are included, and the data extracted from the studies will be summarized in a meta-analysis or other synthesis that can say something about which lead levels are associated with elevated blood pressure.
The project is a collaboration with IHME (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation) with the aim that the study can be included as part of a Global Burden of Disease evaluation of lead. The study design has therefore been developed in close collaboration with IHME.
Project leader:
Merete Drevvatne Bugge
Project participant:
Graciela López Soop
External collaborative partners in PARC:
6 partners in 5 countries
Financial support:
Horizon Europe (EU)
More information about the research program:
https://www.eu-parc.eu
HIA (P6.2.4c)