[Long-term smoke-cadmium concentration in smokers seniors with stable coronary artery disease scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)].

Cadmium is one of the many toxic components of inhaled tobacco smoke. The amount of cadmium inhaled from each pack of 20 cigarettes is approximately 16 microg. Cadmium has a long elimination time (estimated at 10 to 30 years). It provides possible of the accumulation of substantial amounts of cadmium during the lifetime of a smoker. We know reports that cadmium alters the metabolism of cultured human smooth muscle cells and the processing of collagen. Cadmium also blocks calcium channels and inhibits ATPases, other ion transport systems. The concentration of cadmium probably has an influence on selected lipid metabolism parameters. Smoking is the most consistent risk factor for patients with stable coronary artery disease scheduled for coronary artery grafting. Cadmium was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in humans blood from 19 seniors (patients: 70-76 years old) with stable coronary artery disease scheduled for coronary artery grafting. Total cadmium content was associated with smoking. The level of cadmium in smokers blood plasma was 19.02+/-0,96 microg/l; the level of cadmium in no-smokers blood plasma was 5.96+/-0,69 microg/l. We also measured total concentration of cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglicerydes, creatinine and glucose.