[An occupational physiology study at the Asarel Mining and Milling Works--screening for risk factors of the...

It was the purpose of this study to define the frequency of occurrence of a number of individual and occupational factors contributing to development of arterial hypertension in "Asarel" MMW open-pit workers. The investigated subjects numbered 36 and ranged in age from 22 to 55 years (average, 36 +/- 1.9 years). The jobs represented included mainly: diggers, bulldozers, driver, drillers, blasters, road-service workers, electric and mechanic fitters. Endpoints measured and evaluated included: arterial blood pressure, pulse rate, biometric characteristics (age, occupational experience, body height and weight), common risk factors, such as family antecedents, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, level of physical activity at and off work, etc. For this sample of open-pit workers, findings indicated a relatively high incidence of hypertension (28% of subjects). The level of arterial hypertension consistently correlated with worker age, length of occupational experience, and body weight. There was high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors: alcohol consumption, family history, cigarette smoking, use of salty foods, overweight. The observed changes in the cardiovascular system and high prevalence of risk factors point to the necessity of taking specific medical prevention measures. These have been taken into consideration in designing the overall program of upgrading work conditions and organization, as well as improving the style of life of "Asarel" MMW workers.