Statistical evaluation of essential/toxic metal levels in the blood of valvular heart disease patients in comparison with controls

ABSTRACT

The present study was designed to investigate the role of selected essential and toxic metals in the onset/prognosis of valvular heart disease (VHD). Nitric acid–perchloric acid based wet digestion procedure was used for the quantification of the metals by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Comparative appraisal of the data revealed that average levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Li, Mn and Zn were significantly higher in blood of VHD patients, while the average concentration of Ca was found at elevated level in controls (P < 0.05). However, Cu, Mg, Na, Sr and Pb depicted almost comparable levels in the blood of both donor groups. The correlation study revealed significantly different mutual associations among the metals in the blood of VHD patients compared with the controls. Multivariate statistical methods showed substantially divergent grouping of the metals for the patients and controls. Some significant differences in the metal concentrations were also observed with gender, abode, dietary/smoking habits and occupations of both donor groups. Overall, the study demonstrated that disproportions in the concentrations of essential/toxic metals in the blood are involved in pathogenesis of the disease.

KEYWORDS:

• AAS
• blood
• multivariate analysis
• Pakistan
• trace metals
• valvular heart disease

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the administrations of Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, for their invaluable help during the sample collection.

Funding

The funding by Higher Education Commission, Government of Pakistan, to carry out this project is thankfully acknowledged.