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An epidemiological re-appraisal of the association between blood pressure and blood lead: a meta-analysis

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 16, pages 123–131 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

Studies on the possible association between blood pressure and blood lead have reached divergent conclusions. In a previous meta-analysis, a doubling of the blood lead concentration was associated with a 1.0/0.6 mm Hg increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). This meta-analysis updates the analysis originally performed in 1994. Articles on the association between BP and blood lead were identified from computer searches from January 1980 to February 2001 using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System. Of the studies reviewed, 31 provided sufficient details to be considered. The meta-analysis included 58518 subjects recruited from the general population in 19 surveys and from occupationally exposed groups in 12 studies. In all but four studies, the results were adjusted for age, and most studies took into account additional confounding factors such as body mass index and the use of alcohol and medication. Weighted joint P-values were calculated using Stouffer's procedure. The association between BP and blood lead was similar in both men and women. In the combined studies, a two-fold increase in blood lead concentration was associated with a 1.0 mm Hg rise in the systolic pressure (95% CI +0.5 to +1.4 mm Hg; P < 0.001) and with a 0.6 mm Hg increase in the diastolic pressure (95% CI +0.4 to +0.8 mm Hg; P < 0.001). On balance, this meta-analysis suggests that there can only be a weak association between BP and blood lead.

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Acknowledgements

The International Lead and Zinc Research Organization (ILZRO, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA) supported this study. The secretarial assistance of Mrs R Wolfs, S Van Hulle, L De Pauw and Y Toremans is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks also to Dr Paola Primatesta, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London Medical School for providing additional information on the Health Survey for England.

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  1. Department Moleculair en Cardiovasculair Onderzoek, University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven), Studiecoördinatie Centrum, Herestraat 49, Leuven, B-3000, Belgium

    T S Nawrot, L Thijs, E M Den Hond & J A Staessen

  2. Industrial Toxicology and Occupational Medicine Unit, Université catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, B-1200, Belgium

    H A Roels

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  1. T S Nawrot
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Correspondence to T S Nawrot.

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Nawrot, T., Thijs, L., Den Hond, E. et al. An epidemiological re-appraisal of the association between blood pressure and blood lead: a meta-analysis. J Hum Hypertens 16, 123–131 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001300

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