Med. Pr. 2007;58(6):475-483 |
RISK OF CADRDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN LEAD-EXPOSED WORKERS OF CRYSTAL GLASSWORKS. PART I. EFFECT OF LEAD ON BLOOD PRESSURE AND LIPID METABOLISM |
RYZYKO CHORÓB UKŁADU KRĄŻENIA U PRACOWNIKÓW HUTY SZKŁA KRYSZTAŁOWEGO NARAŻONYCH NA DZIAŁANIE OŁOWIU — CZĘŚĆ I: WPŁYW OŁOWIU NA |
Anna Skoczyńska, Katarzyna Gruber,Kinga Belowska-Bień, Vladislav Mlynek |
Abstract
Background: Chronic occupational or environmental exposure
to small doses of lead results in cardiovascular disorders: arterial
hypertension, lipid metabolism disturbances and exacerbation of free radical
processes. Each of these changes determines an independent cardiovascular risk
factor. The aim of this study was to estimate the cardiovascular risk among the
employees exposed to lead in crystal glassworks during the coming 10 years. Materials and Methods: A group of 153 persons convinced of their good health
status were eligible for the study. A questionnaire was used as a study tool,
physical, biochemical and toxicological (free erythrocyte protoporphyrins and lead level in whole blood) studies were
performed and the cardiovascular risk factor (SCORE) was individually
estimated. Results: Compared to the general population, the
increased rate of arterial hypertension, as well as numerous cases of lipid
disturbances were revealed. Conclusions: Workers occupationally exposed to lead should have the cardiovascular
risk factor (SCORE) individually estimated. In view of the higher incidence of
hypertension in this population, a special attention should be paid to the
detection of this pathology and the efficiency of this disease treatment should
be controlled. It is necessary to initiate program of
individualized actions to decrease so called hard end-points like stroke,
myocardial infarct and sudden death. Med Pr
2007;58(6):475-483
Key words
lead, glassworks, hypertension, lipids