The chemical Bisphenol-A, or BPA, has been making headlines for years. Commonly found in plastic, cans and receipts, the substance has been found to cause cancer and fetal health issues in numerous studies. Recently, the FDA even banned the chemical from use in baby bottles and sippy cups.

This month, researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of Cambridge published a study that establishes a link between elevated BPA levels in urine and narrowed arteries. The researchers examined 591 study participants, each with varying levels of arterial narrowing, and BPA levels in their urine. The results showed that in cases of high BPA levels, the liver allows some of the chemical to pass into the bloodstream. Although the FDA has not banned BPA altogether, multiple studies have linked the chemical to heart disease, diabetes and reproductive health issues.

Risk factors like heredity, smoking and obesity are more commonly attributed to heart disease, but researchers from the study claim that BPA intake should be added to the list. To avoid contact with BPA, limit consumption of foods and drinks in aluminum cans and avoid drinking out of plastic water bottles. For more information on maintaining your overall health, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.