[Cardiovascular parameters in workers exposed to urban pollutions]

G Ital Med Lav Ergon. 2010 Jan-Mar;32(1):32-9.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate if "outdoor" workers exposed to chemical, physical and psycho-social urban stressors could have alterations of systolic and diastolic blood pressure at rest and heart disease investigated by electrocardiogram compared with a group of "indoor" workers not exposed. Among non-smoking, the mean values of systolic blood pressure at rest were significantly higher in exposed compared to non exposed (p = 0.002) and frequency of electrocardiographic abnormalities was significantly higher in exposed (20.8%) than not exposed (10.4%, p = 0.02). Among exposed, the values of systolic blood pressure at rest were significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers (p = 0.002). Among non-exposed, the frequency of electrocardiographic abnormalities was significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers (p = 0.002). The study results suggest that chronic exposure to chemical, physical and psycho-social stressors can be a cardiovascular risk factor in addition to cigarette smoking in a manner determined by the categories of outdoor workers.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Urban Health*