The WHO/IAEA research programme on trace elements in cardiovascular diseases.

Heart, kidney, liver, hair, and toenails were analysed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Se and Zn in male subjects who died with myocardial infarction or hypertension, as compared to subjects who died a non-cardiovascular death. Autopsy collection was made according to a WHO protocol using a titanium knife. Tissues were immediately frozen and subsequently shipped by air to the analytical laboratory. Analysis was usually by neutron activation according to an IAEA protocol. Pathology and analytical data were reported according to standard formats. Institutions in many countries, both developed and developing, collaborated in this programme.