[Effect of industrial noise on the prevalence of arterial hypertension]

Women exposed to industrial noise were subjected to a one-stage overall examination. The levels and character of industrial noise, microclimate, labour tension and the scope of physical activity had been evaluated before. Altogether 1584 women aged 17-55 years were examined to form 4 groups to be compared. The prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) was found to be slightly higher in women exposed to the noise 90-100 dBA. It was shown by the method of the purposeful pair matching that the probability of an increase in the incidence of AH under exposure to industrial noise in the absence of other risk factors is 1.1--=1.9%; when combined with one of the factors such as overweight, aggravated heredity or aggravated obstetrical-gynecological anamnesis it rises up to 15%.