Electrocardiographic changes and exposure to solvents

Occupational exposures can cause cardiovascular disorders. Some exposures may be harmful, and exposures to chemicals such as metal welding fumes, gases, and pesticides, and stress related to physical and occupational hazard, which results in cardiovascular disorders such as arrhythmia, could be prevented. The objective of this study was to determine the electrocardiographic changes in occupational exposure to organic solvents.

It was a historical cohort study and was carried out on workers of industries. The study was carried out with flexible interview, physical examination, checklist for obtaining clinical history, and electrophysiology test. Group 1 included the workers in the production line of solvent and paint, group 2 included administrative personnel, and group 3 included workers from other industries who did not have solvent exposure. A number of participants in group 1, group 2, and group 3 were 500, 498, and 501, respectively. Electrocardiographic changes were recorded in health issues.

The frequency of arrhythmia, P wave, and QRS complex changes were highest in group 1. The risk of arrhythmia was 1.15 (1.08-1.49), P wave change was 1.02 (1.01-2.28) which was significant and considered as highest risk,, and QRS complex change was highest in group 1, whose relative risk was 1.53 (1.46-1.61). ST segment and T wave changes (depression or elevation) were highest in group 1 and had no significant differences (P < .05).

Working in solvent industry is a risk of developing arrhythmia. Exposure to chemical especially solvent agents mostly affects the cardiovascular system and is effective on electrocardiography, which must be prevented.