Cardiology research and practice
Sex-Specific Cross-Sectional Associations and Exploratory Mediation Analysis of Cardiovascular Disease Risk by Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Cadmium-Exposed Populations
By Li X, Wang K, Hui X and 7 others.
Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with its burden continuing to rise. Environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure has emerged as a potential risk factor for CVD. This study aimed to investigate the associations between Cd exposure and CVD risk, and to explore cross-sectional associations and a potential inflammatory pathway using exploratory mediation analysis.
Methods
This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors influencing CVD risk. Dose-response relationships were evaluated using restricted cubic splines (RCS). Exploratory mediation analysis was conducted to assess the potential mediating role of NLR in the association between Cd exposure and CVD risk.