[The contents of lead, cadmium, manganese, chromium, and zinc of atherosclerotic aortas (author's transl)].

The contents of lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese, and zinc of 30 atherosclerotic aortas of deceased males between the age of 44 and 73 was analysed with flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy according to the localisation within the aorta (Arcus aortae, Aorta thoracilis, Aorta lumbalis). Furthermore, the metal concentration according to the degree of atherosclerosis was determined whereas, contrary to other authors, no significant relationship between metal content and grade of atherosclerosis was found. A correlation between heavy metal content of atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic aortas could not be ascertained statistically. Likewise, no significant relationship between calcium concentration and content of heavy metals was verified.