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Risk indicators of ischemic heart disease among male professional drivers in Sweden
G E Hedberg1, K A Jacobsson, U Janlert
1Division of Applied Work Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Umeå, Sweden.
Insights
Professional drivers face higher ischemic heart disease risks due to lifestyle and work factors. This study highlights occupational risks, emphasizing the need for targeted health interventions for this group.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Ischemic heart disease (IHD) poses a significant public health challenge.
- Professional driving is a demanding occupation with potential occupational health risks.
- Identifying specific risk indicators in professional drivers is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify possible risk indicators of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in professional drivers.
- To compare cardiovascular risk factors between professional drivers and a control group.
- To assess the occupational and lifestyle factors contributing to IHD risk in drivers.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 440 professional drivers and 1000 referents from Sweden.
- Random selection of subjects for comprehensive data collection.
- Data gathered through questionnaires, physical measurements (height, weight, blood pressure), and serum lipid levels.
Main Results:
- Professional drivers exhibited higher rates of overweight, smoking, and shift work compared to referents.
- Drivers reported more sedentary leisure time and work environments with high demands, low decision latitude, and low social support.
- No significant differences were observed in blood pressure or serum lipid levels between groups.
- The odds ratio for a high cardiovascular risk index was 3.18 (adjusted: 2.34) for drivers versus referents.
Conclusions:
- Professional driving is associated with increased risk indicators for ischemic heart disease.
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, sedentary behavior) and occupational stressors (demands, low control, poor support) are key contributors.
- Targeted interventions addressing these modifiable risk factors are essential for the health of professional drivers.
Abstract:
Possible risk indicators of ischemic heart disease relevant to the occupation of professional driving were identified in a cohort of 440 professional drivers and 1000 referents from the Swedish countries of Västerbotten and Norrbotten. The subjects were randomly selected. Data on cardiovascular risk indicators were collected from questionnaires, blood pressure measurements, serum lipid levels, height, and weight. The results showed that significantly more drivers than referents were overweight, smokers, and shift workers; were sedentary in their leisure time; and had a work situation characterized by high demands, low decision latitude, and low social support. There were no significant differences concerning blood pressure and serum lipid levels. The odds ratio for having a high score on a cardiovascular risk index was 3.18 (95% confidence interval 2.41-4.20) for the drivers when they were compared with the referents. When adjusted for age, heredity, shift work, educational level, marital status, and working class, the odds ratio was 2.34 (95% confidence interval 1.70-3.21).