These and other metals found in the environment can collect in the body and exacerbate heart disease, new research suggests.

People with high levels of metals found in tobacco smoke, fertilizers and batteries are more likely to develop atherosclerosis, a disease that reduces blood flow to organs.

New research has established a link between exposure to metal pollutants in the air and increased calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, at a level comparable to established risk factors like smoking and diabetes The study was published in the journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CM) is defined as having two or more cardiometabolic diseases — Type 2 diabetes, heart disease or stroke.

Exposure to heavy metals may increase risk of calcium buildup in the walls of coronary arteries, which can lead to chronically narrowed arteries, a new study found.