[Is heavy physical work a risk factor for ischemic heart disease?]

The authors presents current data on the relationship between the level of physical activity and the incidence of ischaemic heart disease. It was stressed that occupational and non-occupational physical activity should be considered differently in view of the fact that the most common physical effort at work applies to a limited group of muscles with a high component of static effort. Therefore it is not optimal from the training point of view, and affects negatively the circulatory system. Attention is also turned to the health consequences of a psycho-social load related to work, education and social status. In conclusion it is stated that blue collar workers become a group of an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease because of accumulation of all negative factors: heavy work, static effort, insufficient physical activity outside the work and limited health conductive life style, inadequate and rapidly lowering physical fitness, usually work at high speed and difficulties in controlling own situation. Therefore, special preventive programs indicating how to eliminate unhealthy behaviour and promote life style which reduces the risk of ischaemic heart disease should be developed.