Serum copper is associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases: Evidence from NHANES 2011-2016

Abstract Background Copper (Cu) is one of the minerals that has a key role in human health and cell metabolism. Recent reports show Cu homeostasis and Cu-induced cell death play crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the epidemiology evidence association between serum Cu and risk of cardiovascular disease is limited. Objective This national cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between serum Cu and the risk of CVD. Methods Dataset were from the Nation Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2016. Weighted logistic regression model and dose-response curve were applied. Results A total of 5,154 participants were included, representing 21,995,1371 Americans adult. The average level of serum Cu was 18.6 µmol/L, and the overall prevalence of CVD was 7.4%. Serum Cu values in female, middle-aged, and non-Hispanic Black subjects were higher (P < .05). Subjects with a high prevalence of CVD had higher serum Cu levels than non-CVD subjects (P < .05). Those in tertile 3 had a significantly higher prevalence of CVD (OR: 1.64; 95% CI 1.16–2.33) than those in the lowest tertile. Continuous variable analysis showed that serum Cu was positively associated with the prevalence of CVD (per 1 SD; OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.03–1.47). The dose-response curve demonstrated a linear association of Cu levels with CVD prevalence (P-nonlinear = 0.40), with the OR of CVD doubled at serum Cu levels of 20.0 µmol/L. Conclusion Excess serum Cu is associated with the prevalence of CVD among adult Americans.