The role of iron as a cardiovascular risk factor

Redox-active forms of transition metals such as iron and copper are assential for lipid peroxidation by cells and also for the ‘autoxidation’ of other biomolecules. Ina prospective population study, both elevated body iron (serumferritin ≥200µg/l)and high dietary iron intake were associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction. Although not yet confirmed in subsequent studies, these data suggest that a high stored iron level may be a new risk factor for coronary heart disease. High body iron may also be associated with deleterious changes in other cardiovascular risk factors