Risk factors for atherosclerosis in healthy employees-a multidisciplinary approach

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Occupational Health
• Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis

Background:

• Investigating early atherosclerosis prevalence in healthy workers.
• Examining links between classical, psychological, and immunological risk factors and atherosclerosis.
• Assessing the predictive value of these risk factors for atherosclerosis development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of early atherosclerosis in a healthy working population.
• To explore the relationship between various risk factors (biochemical, immunological, occupational stress) and atherosclerosis.
• To evaluate the predictive significance of these factors for atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Studied 150 healthy managers and office workers (aged 35-65).
• Assessed individual, family, and occupational stress/coping factors.
• Measured biochemical (lipids, glucose) and inflammatory-immunological markers.
• Evaluated carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque presence via ultrasound.

Main Results:

• Atherosclerotic plaque was detected in 29% of individuals.
• Key predictors for IMT included age, LDL cholesterol, smoking, and manager occupation.
• Age, total cholesterol, and home-work balance stress predicted plaque presence.
• Immunological factors were not independent predictors of atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

• Both traditional risk factors (age, lipids, lifestyle) and occupational stress contribute to atherosclerosis.
• Immunological factors do not appear to play a significant role in atherosclerosis development in this cohort.
• Further research is needed to understand the interaction between occupational stress and atherosclerotic changes.