Occupational Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern.
• Occupational factors are increasingly recognized as significant, modifiable risk factors for CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the association between various occupational exposures and CVD risk.
• To assess the strength of evidence for identified occupational risk factors using the GRADE framework.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review evaluating occupational exposures.
• GRADE framework applied to assess the strength of evidence for each risk factor.

Main Results:

• Moderate evidence links job stress, long working hours, night shift work, and carbon monoxide exposure to increased CVD risk.
• Limited evidence connects occupational noise, air pollutants, and extreme temperatures to CVD risk.
• Inconclusive findings for physical activity at work and toxic metal exposure due to study limitations.

Conclusions:

• Occupational exposures are critical for identifying and managing individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk.
• Workplace interventions and policies should target job stress, long hours, and hazardous exposures to prevent CVD.
• Reducing occupational risk factors is essential for both individual and population-level CVD prevention efforts.