BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Wisconsin. Diets high in fish have been linked to improvements in cardiovascular health; however, some species contain contaminants associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Older male anglers in Wisconsin may consume more fish than the general population, potentially increasing exposure to these contaminants. In this study, we describe the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions among a subset of male anglers in Wisconsin, and determine fish consumption habits and contaminant exposures associated with these outcomes.
METHODS: Male anglers aged 50 and older living in Wisconsin were recruited to complete a detailed survey regarding fish consumption habits and health outcomes. Participants also provided hair and blood samples which were analyzed for mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between fish consumption habits and body burdens of these contaminants, with self-reported cardiovascular outcomes, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, heart attack, angina and stroke.
RESULTS: A total of 154 anglers participated in this study. Two-thirds of participants reported a history of at least one cardiovascular condition. After adjusting for age, BMI, employment status, and alcohol intake, consumption of fish species with higher mercury content were associated with increased odds of angina, coronary heart disease, or heart attack, while fattier species were associated with decreased odds of high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Increased blood mercury levels were associated with a 27% higher odds of heart attack (OR: 1.27, 95%CI: 1.09, 1.51). Concentrations of certain classes of PCBs were also associated with increased odds of coronary heart disease, while very few associations were found with PBDEs.
CONCLUSIONS: Fish consumption patterns resulting in increased mercury exposures may affect cardiovascular outcomes. Educational interventions may be needed to promote consumption of low mercury fish species among older male anglers.