Work and cardiovascular health: viewpoint of occupational physiology

The work-related aspects of coronary heart disease have been studied from the view-point of work physiology. The purpose of the following three studies has been to clarify how physical load at work and at leisure affects the risk of developing coronary heart disease. The first study included 120 men, mean age 41 years. They were intensively studied in the laboratory and field conditions, and were classified into four activity categories according to their work and leisure time activities. The results indicated that the highest prevalence rates of obesity, hypertension and angina pectoris symptoms were found among men doing heavy physical work and having no sporting leisure activities. The second study included a postal questionnaire to Finnish municipal employees in 1981 and 1985. Altogether 1999 women and 1419 men responded in both years. Their mean ages at the two survey times were 50.5 and 54.7 years, respectively. The 4-year incidence rates of coronary heart diseases diagnosed by the doctor (myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, hypertension) were the highest in occupations with physical demands, both among women and especially among the men. The incidence rate of hypertension was commonest (greater than 7.0%). Among men doing physical work the incidence rate of coronary artery disease was 5.0%. The risk ratios for muscular work among men were 5.8 in the 44--49 year age group and 2.2 in the 50--58 year age group. The third project was a case-control study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)