Electrocardiographic changes in workers occupationally exposed to lead

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Occupational Health
• Environmental Medicine

Background:

• The role of heavy metals, particularly lead, in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis is not fully understood.
• This study investigates electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in lead-exposed workers without apparent cardiac symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate electrocardiographic (ECG) alterations in individuals occupationally exposed to lead.
• To assess potential subclinical cardiac effects in smelter and refinery workers.

Main Methods:

• 12-lead ECG and 24-hour Holter monitoring were conducted on 60 lead-exposed workers and 45 controls.
• Analysis included heart rate variability (HRV) in time and frequency domains and heart rate turbulence (HRT).

Main Results:

• 27 out of 60 exposed workers showed ECG pathologies.
• Exposed workers had higher mean heart rate, more premature contractions, decreased HRV, and abnormal HRT parameters compared to controls.
• A higher LF:HF ratio was observed in the lead-exposed group.

Conclusions:

• Occupational lead exposure is associated with increased frequency of heart rhythm disorders.
• Decreased HRV and abnormal HRT parameters indicate subclinical cardiac effects.
• Noninvasive ECG evaluation is valuable for early cardiovascular risk prediction in lead-exposed workers.