Low Chromium Levels May Increase Heart Attack Risk

A study published in the July 15, 2005 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology found an association between low chromium levels and heart attack risk. Researchers analyzed chromium levels in the toe nails of 684 men who had experienced heart attacks and a comparable number who had not.

The investigators found that the levels of chromium were reduced with advancing age and hypertension. In addition, chromium levels of heart attack patients were about 13% lower than those of comparison subjects. The men with the lowest chromium levels had a 35% greater risk of heart attack than those with the highest levels. These findings suggest that chromium intake may be associated with an increased risk of heart attack.