The effect of urinary cadmium on cardiovascular fitness as measured by VO2 max in white, black and Mexican Americans.

OBJECTIVES We explored potential effects of cadmium exposure on cardiovascular fitness measures, including gender and racial/ethnic differences. METHODS Data were from the 1999 to 2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES); 1963 participating subjects were included in our analysis. Volume of oxygen consumed at sub-maximum activity (VO(2) max) were recorded in a series of graded exercises; the goal was to elicit 75% of predetermined age-specific heart rates. Cadmium from urine samples was measured in the laboratory using standard methods. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to determine potential relationships. RESULTS Increased urinary cadmium concentrations were generally associated with decreased estimated VO(2) max values. Gender and racial/ethnic differences were also observed. Specifically, associations were statistically significant for white males and Mexican American females. CONCLUSION Inverse associations between urinary cadmium concentrations and estimated VO(2) max values were observed, including racial and gender differences. The implications of such gender and racial/ethnic differences on long-term cardiovascular health and health disparities of present public health concern warrant further investigation.