Environmental metal exposure significantly contributes to coronary calcium buildup, comparable to traditional cardiovascular risk factors like smoking. Research from Columbia University indicates that

Exposure to heavy metals may increase risk of calcium buildup in the walls of coronary arteries, which can lead to chronically narrowed arteries, a new study found.

People who consumed 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine a day were less likely to develop coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes or stroke.

New research has established a link between exposure to metal pollutants in the air and increased calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, at a level comparable to established risk factors like smoking and diabetes The study was published in the journal of the American College of Cardiology.

There were also geographic hotspots for especially high levels of metals in urine. For example, people living in Los Angeles had markedly higher urinary tungsten and uranium level

People with high levels of metals found in tobacco smoke, fertilizers and batteries are more likely to develop atherosclerosis, a disease that reduces blood flow to organs.