[Professional work of woman as a risk factor for circulation disorders]

The author presents an up-dated review of the literature on the effects of professional work on the incidence of diseases of the circulatory system in women, and the incidence of ischaemic heart disease and arterial hypertension in particular. An analysis of health effects of professional work revealed that a limited influence on the final effect of own work (a limited control of own situation at work) and subordination to superiors, belong to these factors which exert the most detrimental effect on the circulatory system. A negative effect frequently manifested by the level of blood pressure is also related with heavy physical burden. The literature data also reveal that the professional work, itself, does not contribute to an increased incidence of diseases of the circulatory system or to the profile of risk factors. A possible reason for this observation lies in similar responsibilities faced by women acting only as housewives and those faced in occupational work. The review presented also stresses the role of endogenic risk factors in women related with the number of pregnancies/deliveries as well as with menopause.