Association between Urinary Cadmium and QRSjT Angle among Adults in the United States

Objective: Cadmium’s effect on QRSjT angle has not been studied. An abnormal QRSjT angle deviation may increase the risk for ventricular dysrhythmias. Methods: We calculated the orientation of spatial QRSjT angle using QRS and T amplitudes of leads V2, V5, V6, and AVF from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey III. Cadmium concentration was measured in urine. We fit weighted unadjusted and adjusted logistic regressions to calculate odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results: A unit increase in the logarithm of urinary cadmium increased the odds of QRSjT angle deviation by 30% [1.30 (1.01 to 1.61)]. Conclusions: Cadmium exposure was associated with an abnormal QRSjT angle in women but not in men. Women exposed to cadmium should be periodically evaluated to detect QRSjT angle deviation, which can predispose them to ventricular dysrhythmias.