Ten-Year Cardiovascular Risk Estimation through the Framingham Risk Score among Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers with...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sleep Medicine
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are significant health concerns for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers, contributing to accidents.
• Understanding the relationship between OSA risk and CVD risk factors in this specific occupational group is crucial for public health and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the ten-year risk of developing CVD and the risk of developing OSA in apparently healthy male CMV drivers.
• To identify specific CVD risk factors correlated with a higher likelihood of OSA among CMV drivers.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 315 male CMV drivers.
• Data collection included demographic information, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), STOP-Bang questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and laboratory tests.
• Ten-year CVD risk was calculated using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS); participants were grouped based on STOP-Bang and FRS scores for comparative analysis using statistical tests including logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between higher STOP-Bang scores (≥3) and increased age, driving experience, FRS, vascular age, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, ESS score, BMI, and waist/hip circumference.
• Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a high risk of OSA was independently associated with a higher FRS (odds ratio: 1.92; p < 0.001).
• Physical activity levels, sitting time, lipid profiles, smoking history, vehicle type, and shift type did not show significant differences between groups.

Conclusions:

• The STOP-Bang score directly correlates with the estimated ten-year CVD risk in CMV drivers.
• CMV drivers at high risk for OSA also present with elevated CVD risk factors, including older age, diabetes, hypertension, higher BMI, and increased waist and hip circumference.
• The Framingham Risk Score was significantly higher in CMV drivers identified as having a high risk for OSA.