A recent study funded by Heart Research UK reveals that patients who have undergone metal-on-metal hip replacement surgery may be at a heightened risk of heart damage due to cobalt leaching from the implant. The study analyzed blood samples from 30 people with the implant and identified variable levels of cobalt in their blood, causing muscle, bone, and organ damage. The researchers also used a sensitive form of ultrasound to assess the heart health of 16 patients and noted abnormal contractile function. The team suggests that only a small proportion of patients fitted with this hip replacement are likely to be at risk, but in some cases, it could lead to heart failure, which can be a debilitating and serious condition. Further research is underway to study this link in more detail and find ways of predicting which patients are at greatest risk. Annual blood or MRI checks for patients who have received the implant are recommended.
