Coronary risk factors in men occupationally exposed to vibration and noise

In a group of 481 men (group A) exposed occupationally to vibration (exceeding by four times the permissible levels in the frequency band 32-64-125 Hz) and noise (105-116 dB), and in a group of 303 men without contact with vibration and noise at work (reference group R) the prevalence of coronary risk factors was assessed. Socioeconomic status, level of occupational physical activity and family history of heart disease were comparable in the two groups. Mean blood pressure values and the percentage with hypertension were significantly higher in the exposed than in the reference group (P less than or equal to 0.01). Overweight and hypertrigliceridemia occurred less frequently in group A than in group R (P less than or equal to 0.01 and P less than or equal to 0.05 respectively). The prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia and smoking habits was similar in both groups. The results suggest that vibration and noise may be factors which increase the risk of coronary heart disease.