Cardiovascular diseases - 929 entries found

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2001

CIS 02-678 Park R.M.
Medical insurance claims and surveillance for occupational disease: Analysis of respiratory, cardiac, and cancer outcomes in auto industry tool grinding operations
To evaluate medical insurance claims for chronic disease investigation, claims from eight automotive machining plants (1984 to 1993) were linked with work histories (1967 to 1993), and associations with respiratory, cardiac, and cancer conditions were investigated in a case-control study. The primary focus was tool grinding, but metalworking, welding, forging, heat treating, engine testing, and diverse-skilled trades work were also investigated. Asthma incidence increased in tool grinding (at mean cumulative duration: odds ratio (OR), 3.0), as did non-ischaemic heart disease (OR 3.1). These trends appeared in models with deficits (OR <1.0) for those ever exposed to tool grinding because of exposure-response miss-specification, demographic confounding, or removal of high-risk workers from the exposed group. The apparent cancer rates identified from claims greatly exceeded the expected rates from a cancer registry, suggesting that diagnostic, "rule-out," and surveillance functions were contributing.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2001, Vol.43, No.4, p.335-346. 41 ref.

CIS 02-318 Tepper A., Mueller C., Singal M., Sagar K.
Blood pressure, left ventricular mass, and lead exposure in battery manufacturing workers
Although debate about the relationship between lead and blood pressure has focused on low environmental lead levels, industrial exposure remains a concern. The blood pressure and left ventricular mass (LVM) in 108 battery manufacturing workers was measured, and the cumulative and historic average measures of blood lead were calculated. It was found that diastolic pressure increased with increasing lead levels, with a significant 5mmHg difference in mean pressure between the highest and lowest cumulative exposure levels. Diastolic pressure increased with the log of cumulative lead. Both hypertension (defined as currently medicated or systolic > 160mmHg or diastolic > 95mmHg) and LVM increased non-significantly with increasing lead exposure. In conclusion, a small effect of blood lead on diastolic blood pressure, particularly for a cumulative measure of exposure was found, but there was no convincing evidence of associations between lead and other blood-pressure-related outcomes.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, July 2001, Vol.40, No.1, p.63-72. 31 ref.

CIS 02-224 Tomei Fr., Ortolani B., Renzoni S., Pascalizi N., Riservato R., Marcellini L., De Sio S., Marinucci F., Tomao E., Baccolo T.P., Anzelmo V., Iosue M., Tomei F., Paolucci M., Ruffino M.G.
Pathological risks incurred by urban police forces and their prevention
Rischi patologia e prevenzione dei vigili urbani [in Italian]
In this review the hazards that urban police forces in Italy are exposed to are evaluated. Atmospheric pollution is considered first among the risk factors of this generally outdoor work, focusing on respiratory systems diseases. Other consequences mentioned include immunotoxic effects, and those depending on continuous noise, neoplasms, cardiovascular disorders and stress factors.
Fogli d'informazione ISPESL, Jan.-Mar. 2001, Vol.14, No.1, p.12-24. Illus. 49 ref.

CIS 01-501 Otsuka R., Watanabe H., Hirata K., Tokai K., Muro T., Yoshiyama M., Takeuchi K., Yoshikawa J.
Acute effects of passive smoking on the coronary circulation in healthy young adults
Cross-sectional study involving 30 healthy Japanese men (mean age: 27 years; 15 non-smokers and 15 active smokers). Various measures of heart function were taken before and after 30min exposure to environmental (passive) tobacco smoke. Passive smoking did not affect heart rate, blood pressure or basal coronary flow velocity in either group. However, mean coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) was significantly higher in non-smokers than in active smokers before exposure to passive smoking (4.4 vs. 3.6), while this difference disappeared after such exposure (3.4 vs. 3.3). As a lowering of CFVR is an important sign of endothelial dysfunction, this finding provides direct evidence of the harmful effects on the circulatory system of exposure to passive smoking.
Journal of the American Medical Association, 25 July 2001, Vol.286, No.4, p.436-441. Illus. 41 ref.

2000

CIS 02-1489 Kawakami N., Akachi K., Shimizu H., Haratani T., Kobayashi F., Ishizaki M., Hayashi T., Fujita O., Aizawa Y., Miyazaki S., Hiro H., Hashimoto S., Araki S.
Job strain, social support in the workplace, and haemoglobin A1c in Japanese men
A job study was conducted involving 268 male day workers in a manufacturing firm in Japan, in order to examine the association between neuropsychic stress at the workplace and levels of glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Workers with a history of diabetes mellitus were excluded. Average concentrations of HbA1c were significantly higher in the highest quartile group of job strain and the lowest quartile group of social support at the workplace. Increased blood glucose, inducing an alteration of HbA1c levels, may be a mediator between job strain or social support at the workplace and coronary heart disease.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2000, Vol.57, No.12, p.805-809. 38 ref.

CIS 02-688 Krause N., Lynch J.W., Kaplan G.A., Cohen R.D., Salonen R., Salonen J.T.
Standing at work and progression of carotid atherosclerosis
The association between the extent of standing at work and the progression of carotid intima media thickness (IMT) was studied among 584 men participating in the study. Ultrasound measurements of atherosclerotic changes in the carotid arteries were performed at the beginning of the study and after 4 years. Analyses of changes in IMT included adjustment for risk factors and stratification by base-line levels of atherosclerosis and prevalent ischaemic heart disease (IHD).These findings provide the first empirical support in a population study for the role of haemodynamic factors in the progression of atherosclerosis induced by long-term standing postures. Men with carotid stenosis or IHD appear especially vulnerable. Reducing the duration of standing at work should be considered both in the occupational rehabilitation of such patients and in the primary prevention of atherosclerosis.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, June 2000, Vol.26, No.3, p.227-236. Illus. 75 ref.

CIS 02-195 Meunier P.
Modelling the cardiac profile of jobs
Pour une modélisation des profils cardiaques des postes [in French]
The cardiac strain indices for 18 jobs published in the context of job strenuousness studies using comparable methodologies were collected and analysed. For each of these jobs, the relative cardiac cost (RCC) was calculated and a modelling of the heart rate profiles as a function of the average and peak RCC values was made. Limit value definition of average and peak cardiac cost for cardiac strain at work is proposed.
Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2000, Vol.40, No.4, p.409-416. Illus. 14 ref.

CIS 02-445 Zużewicz K., Kwarecki K., Waterhouse J.
Circadian rhythm of heart rate, urinary cortisol excretion, and sleep in civil air traffic controllers
Ten civil air traffic controllers (ATCs), nine men and one woman, at Warsaw Airport (Poland) were subjected to 24-hr ECG monitoring. A further 19 ATCs, including 14 working 12-hr shifts and 5 performing 24-hr duties, were monitored for urinary cortisol every 4 hours. Finally 62 answered a questionnaire on the quality and duration of sleep and subjective fatigue. Results show that among ATCs, shift work modifies natural rhythms of the circulatory system and decreases the ability for intense mental work at night. 48% of the ATCs reported sleep disorders.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2000, Vol.6, No.3, p.383-392. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 02-207 Schnall P.L., Belkić K., Landsbergis P., Baker D.
The workplace and cardiovascular disease
Collection of articles and short communications on the workplace and cardiovascular disease (CVD) published in the journal Occupational Medicine during the year 2000.
Occupational Medicine - State of the Art Reviews, Hanley & Belfus Inc., 210 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA, 2000. xi, 334p. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: USD 39.00.

CIS 02-165 Noël B.
Diagnostic methods and classification of work-related Raynaud's phenomenon
Méthodes diagnostiques et classification du phénomène de Raynaud d'origine professionnelle [in French]
The diagnosis of occupational Raynaud's phenomenon is essentially based on history and clinical examination. Three types of vascular disorders are reported: digital organic microangiopathy, vasospastic phenomena and arterial thrombosis of the upper extremities. Nailfold capillary microscopy, arterial echo-Doppler or ultrasonic duplex examination, cold testing with plethysmographic digital blood pressure determination, chronothermography, cutaneous microcirculatory assessment with laser-Doppler or pharmacological tests and electro-neuro-physiological methods are presented. These tests are useful for the screening of early asymptomatic lesions and for the type and severity determination of the vascular involvement. An alternative classification to the 1986 Stockholm classification is proposed for vibration disease.
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, May 2000, Vol.61, No.3, p.187-193. 52 ref.

CIS 01-1803 Honma H., Kaji H., Kobayashi T., Yasuno Y., Saito K., Bossnev W., Fujino A., Tsutsui T.
Occlusive arterial diseases of the upper and lower extremities found in workers occupationally exposed to vibrating tools
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is primarily a disorder of the fingers and hands. However, in some cases, vibration-exposed workers also have episodic blanching of the hands and feet. Eight HAVS subjects with such disorders were examined by arteriography. In three cases with thromboangiitis obliterans, the arteriographic examination revealed obstructive changes in the palm and forearm, as well as three below-knee lesions in the lower extremities; in the other five cases, obstruction kinking or coiling, stenosis and/or tapering-off of the proper digital arteries were observed together with two below-knee lesions and three high lesions in the lower extremities. In conclusion, palpation of superficial arteries of both the upper and lower extremities should be routinely performed during both pre-placement and periodic medical examinations of workers using vibrating tools.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Oct.-Dec. 2000, Vol.13, No.4, p.275-286. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 01-1680 Kristal-Boneh E., Harari G., Melamed S., Froom P.
Association of physical activity at work with mortality in Israeli industrial employees: The CORDIS study
To evaluate the association of physical activity at work with the risk of all-cause cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality, a cohort of 3,488 industrial workers in Israel (all male) participated in an 8-year follow-up study. 129 deaths were recorded during this period: 54 from cardiovascular disease, 47 from cancer, and 28 from other causes. Intensity of physical activity at work was assessed on a 4-point scale (none, light, medium, and high). Potential confounding demographic, anthropometric, and socioeconomic variables, and lifestyle factors including leisure-time physical activity were accounted for. The hazard ratio of all-cause mortality in workers with a high physical workload was 1.82 compared with workers having a low workload. A similar trend was noted for cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2000, Vol.42, No.2, p.127-135. Illus. 64 ref.

CIS 01-1677 Roux F., Alcouffe J., Hunzinger E., Segalen M., Manillier P., Montéléon P.Y.
Sensation of heavy legs and prevention of chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities
Sensation de jambes lourdes et prévention de l'insuffisance veineuse chronique des membres inférieurs [in French]
To assess occupational factors aggravating chronic venous insufficiency (CVI, defined by a sensation, even occasional, of heaviness of the legs), 53 occupational physicians carried out an epidemiological survey at the workplace of employees of SMEs in all sectors in the greater Paris region. Air temperature and humidity at the level of the legs of all employees were also measured. Among the 2714 questionnaires received, 1585 were from women (58.4%). The average age of respondents was 37.19. CVI was reported by 577 men (51.2%) and 1174 women (74.4%). Individual factors associated with CVI were female sex, a genetic disposition to heavy legs and cardio-vascular diseases, and the number of pregnancies and miscarriages. Occupational factors included prolonged standing posture, having to walk a lot, having to walk very slowly, being exposed to heat, carrying loads of over 10kg, forward-leaning, crouching and kneeling postures, prolonged sitting postures and not being fully seated. A history of CVI in both parents multiplied the risk by a factor of 6.5.
Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2000, Vol.40, No.3, p.265-276. 11 ref.

CIS 01-1429 Cesana G,, Ferrario M.
Occupational ageing and cardiovascular diseases
Invecchiamento lavorativo e patologie cardiovascolari [in Italian]
Coronary events and circulatory diseases affecting the brain are common among older workers. Particular attention has to be given to a variety of factors (environmental, social and occupational) in order to reduce the incidence of these conditions. Cardiovascular mortality seems to increase with heavy industrialization processes and lower socio-economic and educational status. Beside the consideration of traditional risk factors (e.g.: cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking), other risk factors need to be further studied. A few cohort or population studies have shown an independent and inverse relationship between low levels of job control and coronary disease. This paper was presented at an International Seminar on Ageing and Work, held in Verona (Italy) on 7 Apr. 2000.
Medicina del lavoro, July-Aug. 2000, Vol.91, No.4, p.334-341. 36 ref.

CIS 01-1540 van Deursen D.L., van Deursen L.L.J.M., Snijders C.J., Goossens R.H.M.
Effect of continuous rotary seat pan movements on physiological oedema of the lower extremities during prolonged sitting
To assess the time-related response of swelling in the lower extremities during static supported sitting compared with sitting in an experimental chair which uses rotary continuous passive motion of the seat pan, ten healthy subjects were measured in two conditions, with and without dynamic stimulation of the seat pan, in 3h sitting sessions, on successive days. The volume of the lower legs was measured four times, at 1h intervals, by means of water displacement volumetry. Significant differences in lower leg swelling were found between the static and the dynamic situation. Female subjects showed an increased response in time-related leg swelling and the age of subjects also influenced the results. Dynamic stimulation during sitting has an oedema-reducing effect on the lower extremities. Continuous passive motion is a promising tool for prevention and therapy for the airline and professional transport industries, and in numerous other industrial applications.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Nov. 2000, Vol.26, No.5, p.521-526. Illus. 20 ref.

CIS 01-1258 Melhado V.E.R., Tavares A., Kohlmann O., Zanella M.T., Ribeiro A.B.
Blood pressure and sympathetic activity in normotensive aviators during short-haul fixed-wings flights
To evaluate the impact of in-flight stress on blood pressure (BP) and sympathetic activity during a short fixed-wing flight, 18 healthy and normotensive commercial captain aviators were studied during a 120-min flight period, divided into segments of pre-flight, take off, mid-cruise, approach and landing, and a 120-min control period. All subjects underwent BP monitoring, heart rate recording and urine collection for catecholamines. Systolic and diastolic BP (SBP/DBP) were higher during the flight, as a whole, when compared with the control period. During the flight period, SBP increased in the pre-flight, take-off, approach and landing segments, whereas DBP increased in the take-off, mid-cruise, approach and landing segments. Heart rate did not change in any flight segment. Urinary catecholamines increased during the flight period in comparison to control period. It is concluded that inflight stress increases BP of the normotensive aviators by sympathetic activation during short-haul flights.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, May 2000, Vol.71, No.5, p.531-535. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 01-1073 Zhang W.X., Zhan C.L., Geng X.C., Lu X., Yan G.D., Chu X.
Cerebral blood flow velocity by transcranial Doppler during a vertical-rotating table simulation of the push-pull effect
The push-pull effect (PPE) is suspected of causing many aircraft accidents. The successive perfusion and withdrawal of cerebral blood during the PPE may change the state of cerebral blood vessels. During head-down tilt (HDT), cerebral vasoconstriction occurs in response to the elevated perfusion pressure, and during subsequent head-up tilt (HUT) the increased resistance of the cerebral blood vessel recovers slowly. Ten healthy male non-pilots were exposed to simulated HUT (+1G_z) for 1min followed by transition to HDT (-1G_z) 10s followed by transition to HUT (+1G_z) 1min. Cerebral blood flow velocity in the left middle cerebral artery was continually measured with a transcranial Doppler (TCD) instrument. Results indicate that cerebral vasoconstriction occurred to prevent brain over-perfusion during HDT. During HUT, the elevated resistance of the cerebral vessel remained at the higher level for about 20s, and may have worsened the cerebral perfusion from exposure to positive G_z. This may be one of the mechanisms of PPE.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, May 2000, Vol.71, No.5, p.485-488. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 01-1263 Heirich M., Sieck C.J.
Worksite cardiovascular wellness programs as a route to substance abuse prevention
This study addresses the question whether the inclusion of alcohol abuse prevention in worksite cardiovascular wellness programmes is an effective route to the prevention of alcohol abuse. The study population included 2,000 employees, recruited through cardiovascular disease health screening, who were randomly assigned to individual outreach or class interventions. After 3 years of intervention, rescreening results showed significant reductions in cardiovascular health risks and reduced alcohol consumption. As spill-over effects from counselling produced plant-wide improvements, it was not possible to determine if counselling had a better impact than classes.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2000, Vol.42, No.1, p.47-56. 26 ref.

CIS 01-834 Borchini R., Riboldi L., Chiappino G.
Neoformed multiple hepatic angiomas following exposure to vinyl chloride monomer: A case study
Angiomi epatici multipli neoformati dopo esposizione a cloruro de vinile monomero: descrizione di un caso [in Italian]
This paper describes the case of a 60 year-old man with previous protracted exposure to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). After a latency of 20 years, the man developed two hepatic hemangiomas, one characterized by rapid growth (4cm of diameter in 1 year) and surgically removed. On the basis of the anamnestic data (15 years in a PVC polymerization factory in the reactor vessels department) and considering the degree and duration of exposure to VCM, an occupational origin of the hepatic hemangiomas is probable. The ability of VCM to induce sclerosis, necrosis and endothelial hyperplasy in the liver tissue may represent the primum movens of hemangiomas.
Medicina del lavoro, May-June 2000, Vol.91, No.3, p.251-254. 8 ref.

CIS 01-539 Cherniack M., Clive J., Seidner A.
Vibration exposure, smoking, and vascular dysfunction
A total of 601 shipyard workers (current and former users of pneumatic tools) was evaluated subjectively for cold-related vascular symptoms, and tested by cold challenge plethysmography. Follow-up testing was done on 199 members of the severely affected subgroup of smokers and non-smokers, many of whom had stopped smoking in the interval between tests. Effects of smoking and stopping smoking were assessed. Symptoms and measured abnormal vascular responses were more severe in smokers. Smokers were almost twice as likely to have more severe vasospasm than were non-smokers. 53 subjects who stopped smoking during the interval between tests improved, and were indistinguishable from non-smokers similarly exposed to vibration. Additional physiological benefits of stopping smoking were still apparent at further follow up examination, one year later. Improvements seen on plethysmography were not accompanied by improvements in symptoms, which remained unaffected by smoking.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2000, Vol.57, No.5, p.341-347. 33 ref.

CIS 01-110 Nakanishi N., Nakamura K., Suzuki K., Matsuo Y., Tatara K.
Associations of body mass index and percentage body fat by bioelectrical impedance analysis with cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese male office workers
The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat (%BF) (measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)) with cardiovascular risk factors (systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, and triglycerides (TG)) were examined in 1,217 male office workers in Japan. Significant correlates were, in the order of relative importance: age, BMI, and alcohol intake for SBP and DBP; age, BMI, and alcohol intake for LDL-C; BMI, alcohol, and cigarette smoking for HDL-C; BMI, alcohol intake, age and cigarette smoking for LDL-C/HDL-C ratio; and BMI, age, cigarette smoking and alcohol intake for Log TG. Associations were also found between %BF by BIA and each risk factor but the results suggest that BMI may better reflect blood pressure or serum lipid profile.
Industrial Health, July 2000, Vol.38, No.3, p.273-279. 36 ref.

CIS 00-1338 Rodríguez Izquierdo R.
Heart attack suffered while travelling between the place of work and the airport and "in itinere" occupational accidents
Infarto de miocardio sufrido en el desplazamiento desde el centro de trabajo al aeropuerto y accidente de trabajo in itinere [in Spanish]
Comment on a ruling by a Court in the Balearic Islands. The Court decided that a case of heart attack occurring while travelling between the place of work and the airport was an occupational accident in view of the causal relationship between work and heart attacks. In itinere occupational accidents must be differentiated from occupational accidents occurring while "on mission"; they concern only accidents occurring during the commute between home and the place of work, and vice versa.
Actualidad Laboral, 2000, No.5, p.381-391.

CIS 00-416 de la Iglesia Huerta A.
Cardiovascular risk factors in the Spanish working population
Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en la población laboral española [in Spanish]
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors within the Spanish working population and to establish the cardiovascular risk profile. The study included 1573 employed persons (65.5% male) in seven provinces. Among the risk factors considered: excess body mass or obesity; smoking habits; alcohol consumption; arterial hypertension; blood lipids (total cholesterol, tri-glycerids, HDL cholesterol), glycaemia and uric acid; ECG alterations. Geographical differences were observed, linked to different habits with respect to smoking and alcohol consumption. The results show that 47.6% of the Spanish working population present cardiovascular risks, of whom 25.6% are at a significantly high level.
Prevención, trabajo y salud, 2000, No.5, p.11-23. Illus. 26 ref.

CIS 00-422 Kurosaka K., Daida H., Muto T., Watanabe Y., Kawai S., Yamaguchi H.
Characteristics of coronary heart disease in Japanese taxi drivers as determined by coronary angiographic analyses
This study investigates the relationships between taxi driving and severity of coronary heart disease (CHD). The coronary angiograms of 57 male taxi driver patients were analyzed and compared with those of 215 age-adjusted male controls. The number of diseased vessels and risk factors were compared between two groups. The prevalence of myocardial infarction and multi-vessel disease was higher in the taxi-driver patients than in the controls. The taxi-driver patients had higher levels of LDL-cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) and higher prevalence diabetes, smoking, and lower levels of apolipoprotein AI. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that multi-vessel disease was associated with high BMI and diabetes mellitus in taxi-driver patients. These characteristics may be explained in part by their working environment.
Industrial Health, Jan. 2000, Vol.38, No.1, p.15-23. Illus. 52 ref.

1999

CIS 01-1702 Veitch J., Salmon J., Clavisi O., Owen N.
Physical inactivity and other health risks among Australian males in less-skilled occupations
Male workers in less-skilled occupations have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, compared with higher-skilled workers. A representative population sample of Australian male workers (711) was used to compare physical activity levels and selected cardiovascular disease risk factors in less-skilled (134) versus professional and skilled workers (577). Workers in the less-skilled occupational categories reported significantly more vigorous work and home-based activity than did those in the professional and skilled categories. A logistic regression analysis showed that smoking was the only predictive factor of being a less-skilled worker. Although worksites can potentially provide health-promoting physical activity options for higher-risk groups, our findings suggest that smoking and possibly excess weight are risk factors that are more strongly present in less-skilled occupations.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 1999, Vol.41, No.9, p.794-798. 20 ref.

CIS 01-1701 Murata K., Yano E., Shinozaki T.
Cardiovascular dysfunction due to shift work
Electrocardiographic, biochemical and physical data obtained from 237 shift workers and 115 day workers without any obvious disorders were assessed to clarify the impact of shift work on cardiovascular functions. The heart-rate corrected QT interval (QT_c) was significantly longer in the shift workers than in the day workers. However, blood pressure, working duration and biochemical and other data were comparable between the two work groups. When multiple regression analysis was used, the mode of work (shift or day) was significantly related to the QT_c in all of the workers. The adjusted odds ratio of shift work to the prolonged QT_c (≥440ms^1/2) was 8.15. The prolonged QT_c has been thought to contribute to an increased risk of cardiac death. These findings, therefore, suggest that the increased risk for cardiovascular mortality in shift workers may be attributable to prolongation of the QT_c.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 1999, Vol.41, No.9, p.748-753. Illus. 30 ref.

CIS 01-1064 Kristensen T.S.
Challenges for research and prevention in relation to work and cardiovascular diseases
The purpose of this paper is to discuss future challenges for research and prevention in the field of work environment and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Firstly, research on CVD and work during the last half of the 20th century is discussed. Secondly, the theories dominating the last 20 years are presented. Thirdly, cardiovascular and occupational epidemiology are compared, and it is stressed that occupational epidemiology should avoid the individualistic bias of mainstream cardiovascular epidemiology. Finally, future challenges are discussed, and improvements are recommended concerning the use of intermediate end points, intervention research, chemical and physical risk factor theories, the use of a unifying model for society, stress and health, and the application of integrated prevention. It is concluded that research on CVD and work can play an important part in the development of integrated prevention strategies for the next century.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Dec. 1999, Vol.25, No.6, p.550-557. Illus. 69 ref.

CIS 01-865 Martinet C., Meyer J.P.
Working in hot environments and thermal comfort
Travail à la chaleur et confort thermique [in French]
The objective of this study was to describe physical and physiological phenomena characterizing work under hot conditions and conditions of thermal comfort, and to propose an approach for their analysis using a simple index. This index is based on the continuous measurement of pulse rate (Fc) and the calculation of the excess heart pulsations (EPCT) between the beginning and end of the exposure. The approach was validated by experimental results obtained from examining 18 tasks involving 98 workers under real hot work conditions. Results show that the EPCT is closely linked to the increase in oral temperature during exposure, and that an EPCT below 20 is indicative of an acceptable physiological load.
Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Dec. 1999. v, 59p. Illus. 74 ref.

CIS 01-228 Palmer K.T., Coggon D., Bendall H.E., Pannett B., Griffin M.J., Haward B.M.
Health and Safety Executive
Hand-transmitted vibration: Occupational exposures and their health effects in Great Britain
Based on the responses of approximately 13,000 men and women of working age selected at random in the United Kingdom to a questionnaire on exposure to vibration at work, the main conclusions of the survey are: approximately 4.2 million men and 0.7 million women are exposed to hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) at work in any one-week period; the occupations and industries with the highest exposures among men include metal-working production, carpenters, electricians, motor mechanics, plumbers, heating and ventilation workers, bricklayers and gardeners; exposure to HTV is a common cause of Raynaud's phenomenon among men; the most commonly used tools were hammer drills, hand-held portable grinders and jig saws; among women, highest exposures were for floor polishing among domestic workers and cleaners.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 1999. vi, 149p. Illus. 67 ref. Price: GBP 37.50.

CIS 01-218 Daanen H.A.M., Ducharme M.B.
Finger cold-induced vasodilation during mild hypothermia, hyperthermia and at thermoneutrality
Exposure of the fingers to severe cold leads to cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD). To investigate the influence of body thermal status on the CIVD response, eight subjects immersed their right hand in 5°C water for 40min during mild hypothermia (C), thermoneutrality (N) and hyperthermia (W). The mean skin temperature of the body (Tsk), the oesophageal temperature (Tes), the temperature of the volar side of the distal phalanx of each immersed finger (Tfi) and the skin perfusion of the immersed middle finger (Qsk) were continuously measured. During the W condition the body temperatures were higher than during N and during C. Tfi and Qsk were higher during the W condition than during N and during C. The onset time of CIVD was significantly prolonged in condition C as compared with N .It was concluded that the CIVD response is significantly affected by body-core and skin temperatures.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 1999, Vol.70, No.12, p.1206-1210. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 00-1775 Sasaki T., Iwasaki K., Oka T., Hisanaga N.
Association of working hours with biological indices related to the cardiovascular system among engineers in a machinery manufacturing company
A field survey of 278 engineers (20-59 years) in a machinery manufacturing company was conducted to investigate the association of working hours with biological indices related to the cardiovascular system (heart rate variability, blood pressure and serum levels of magnesium, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and cholesterol). Average working hours (defined as hours at workplace plus half of the commuting time) and sleeping hours in this study were 60.2 ± 6.3hr/week and 6.6 ± 0.8hr/day respectively. There was no significant relationship between working hours and biological indices related to the cardiovascular system, but sleeping hours had a strong negative correlation with working hours. Furthermore, the serum DHEA-S level was significantly related to sleeping hours positively. These two results indicate that long working hours might lower the serum DHEA-S level due to the reduction of sleeping hours.
Industrial Health, Oct. 1999, Vol.37, No.4, p.457-463. 17 ref.

CIS 00-1336 Mital A., Shrey D.E., Govindaraju M., Broderick T.M., Colon-Brown K., Gustin B.W.
Job-simulated phase II cardiac rehabilitation training program
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death in the world, as well as the main cause of physical disability. The majority of those affected by such disability are under the age 65. Rehabilitating these individuals, therefore, is a top priority. These two articles describe a phase cardiac rehabilitation training programme that simulates events of actual jobs and that significantly enhances return to work chances of coronary heart disease survivors without compromising their aerobic conditioning. The cardiac rehabilitation training programme, based on elements of physical work, is described. It is shown that such a programme not only improves CHD survivors' work-related physical capabilities, but also improves their physiological conditioning and vastly increases their chances of returning to work when compared with a conventional phase II cardiac rehabilitation programme.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Sep. 1999, Vol.24, No.5, p.515-543. Illus. 45 ref.

CIS 00-1182 Sandmark H., Wiktorin C., Hogstedt C., Klenell-Hatschek E.K., Vingård E.
Physical workload in physical education teachers
The main objective of this study was to measure and quantify exposure to physical workload in physical education teachers. A further aim was to establish the reproducibility of a three-week test-retest interval of self-reported physical load and to evaluate the agreement between registered and self-rated physical load. Thirty teachers, both female and male, volunteered to participate in the study. The physical load on the lower extremities, as well as the back and the cardio-vascular strain was recorded during one working day. The results indicate that the physical workload in this occupational group is considerable due to the load on the lower extremities. The demands on the cardio-vascular system are also relatively high in comparison to other occupational groups. The teachers could assess their activity quite well regarding heavy lifting and time spent sitting.
Applied Ergonomics, Oct. 1999, Vol.30, No.5, p.435-442. Illus. 30 ref.

CIS 00-1136 Lindsell C.J., Griffin M.J.
Thermal thresholds, vibrotactile thresholds and finger systolic blood pressures in dockyard workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration
Thermal thresholds (for perception of heat and cold), vibrotactile thresholds (for perception of vibration at 31.5 and 125Hz) and finger systolic blood pressures were measured in 107 dockyard workers, including 31 controls and 76 workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration (50 reporting finger blanching consistent with vibration-induced white finger). A history of vibration exposure and symptoms associated with hand-transmitted vibration were obtained for each subject. Increased duration of exposure to vibration resulted in a deterioration of both thermal thresholds and vibrotactile thresholds. Finger systolic blood pressures were lower in subjects reporting finger blanching and were related to the extent of blanching on the measured finger. Reported sensations of tingling were not correlated with any of the threshold measures; thermal thresholds and vibrotactile thresholds showed evidence of deterioration with reports of increasing numbness. Both numbness and tingling were correlated with reports of finger blanching. Finger systolic blood pressures were not correlated with either thermal or vibrotactile thresholds.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Sep. 1999, Vol.72, No.6, p.377-386. Illus. 33 ref.

CIS 00-1021 Bøggild H., Suadicani P., Hein H.O., Gyntelberg F.
Shift work, social class, and ischaemic heart disease in middle aged and elderly men: A 22 year follow up in the Copenhagen male study
Shift work has been associated with an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). This study explores shift work as a risk factor for IHD after controlling for social class. The Copenhagen male study is a prospective cohort study established in 1970-1 comprising 5249 men aged 40-59. A second baseline was obtained in 1985-6. The cohort was followed up for 22 years through hospital discharge registers for IHD, and cause of death was recovered from death certificates. One fifth of the cohort was shift working at entry with a significantly larger proportion of shift workers in lower social classes. Risk of IHD and all cause mortality over 22 years did not differ between shift and day workers. The relative risk of IHD, adjusted for age and social class was 1.0. Men who were shift workers in both 1971 and 1985 had the same risk as ex-shift workers in an 8 years follow up from the 1985-6 baseline. The study questions shift work as an independent risk factor for IHD. The results of the study emphasize the importance of controlling adequately for the interplay of shift work and social class.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 1999, Vol.56, No.9, p.640-645. Illus. 31 ref.

CIS 00-794 Pennarola R., Palmi S., Rossi L.
Biomicroscopic and haemorheological tissue alterations in workers exposed to chemical risks
Prospetti applicativi delle alterazioni biomicroscopiche ed emoreologiche tissutali nei lavoratori espositi a rischio chimico [in Italian]
Chemical agents often lead to changes in haemorheological and microvascular elements of cutaneous and conjunctive tissues. A technique of biomicroscopic examination (video-capillaroscopy) was applied to 96 workers exposed to various chemical agents (solvents, industrial glues, pesticides, cement, detergents). The images obtained were analysed by computer. Important alterations were seen in the cutaneous tissues in contact with chemical agents, which could not have been seen using other methods. The authors underline the usefulness of this simple method for the surveillance of workers exposed to chemical agents. Summaries in French, German and Spanish.
Prevenzione oggi, 1999, Vol.XI, No.2, p.27-48. Illus. 21 ref.

CIS 00-892 Netterstrøm B., Nielsen F.E., Kristensen T.S., Bach E., Møller L.
Relation between job strain and myocardial infraction: A case-control study
A case-control study of 76 male wage earners who had been admitted to hospital with myocardial infarction (MI) was conducted in Denmark. As a control group, 176 male wage earners not admitted to hospital who were residents of the same county were used. Both groups were interviewed with an extensive questionnaire on job-related conditions. The most significant findings were consistent with Karasek's job strain model in that men with a high degree of demand combined with a low degree of control at work had a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for MI after adjustment for age compared with men with a low degree of demand and a high degree of control at work. Further adjustment for smoking, socioeconomic status, employment sector, job category and social network did not affect the OR substantially. Other factors significantly associated to MI were job category and employment sector. Thus, the study confirmed the job strain model as well as the well known association between socioeconomic status and risk of MI, whereas the finding of an increased risk among employees in the private sector has not previously been described.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 1999, Vol.56, No.5, p.339-342. 23 ref.

CIS 00-880 Artus D., Baud J.P., Bruel T., Pouliquen P., Chamoux A.
Assessment of the cardiac load on a flock removal site
Evaluation de la charge cardiaque sur un chantier de déflocage [in French]
Carried out on voluntary flock removal operators, the objective of this study was to establish their aptitude to work under physically and psychologically demanding conditions and to estimate, as a function of the specific constraints of the workplace, the maximum consecutive length of time for wearing personal protective equipment, and consequently the time of stay in risk zones. Heart rhythms were measured, and total pulse rate was determined during phases of confinement (98.2 beats/min, 53.9%) and flock removal (104.6 beats/min, 57%). Results confirm that flock removal is to be considered as a "somewhat heavy" or "heavy" activity. The conditions of confinement and restrictive work postures increase the strenuousness of the work. The heat prevailing in the work area, worsened by the wear of personal protective equipment, is a predominant factor in explaining the strenuous nature of these tasks.
Revue de médecine du travail, May-June 1999, Vol.XXVI, No.3, p.169-181. Illus. 38 ref.

CIS 00-410 Calvert G.M., Merling J.W., Burnett C.A.
Ischemic heart disease mortality and occupation among 16- to 60-year-old males
Using the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance system, proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) analyses were used to examine the association between occupation and ischaemic heart disease among 16- to 60-year-old males in the United States. Data from 1982-1992 were collected from 27 states. Separate analyses were conducted for blue-collar and white-collar occupations. Among the blue-collar occupations with the highest PMRs for ischaemic heart disease mortality were sheriffs, correctional institution officers, policemen, fire-fighters and machine operators. Physicians (blacks only) and clergy (both races) were among the white-collar occupations with the highest PMRs for ischaemic heart disease. Although more study is needed, consideration should be given to the targeting of high-PMR occupations, with improvement in work organization to reduce occupational stress and promotion of healthy lifestyles through cardiovascular disease prevention programmes.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.41, No.11, p.960-966. 43 ref.

CIS 00-91 Arana Munarriz V., Echeberria Aizpuru I.
Monitoring heart rate during the study of physical workload
Monitorización de la frecuencia cardíaca en el estudio de la carga física en el trabajo [in Spanish]
Physical workload was assessed by heart rate monitoring in two different enterprises: an iron and steel foundry with a sample of 28 representative work posts where the effort had been previously labelled as moderate or moderate-strong, and a company producing electrical household appliances in which 25 freezer assembly posts, previously labelled as moderate, were selected as representative of the activity. A heart rate monitor was attached to each operator at pectoral level and with a pulsemeter on the wrist from 0.5 to 1.25 hours. Selected workers had been more than six months in their posts, implying physiological adaptation to the job. The results indicate that heart rate monitoring is a useful method to assess physical workload on the individual.
Mapfre seguridad, 1st Quarter 1999, Vol.19, No.73, p.3-11. Illus. 11 ref.

CIS 00-258 Murata K., Yano E., Shinozaki T.
Impact of shift work on cardiovascular functions in a 10-year follow-up study
Electorcardiography and blood pressure of 158 shift workers and 75 day workers at a copper smelter were followed for ten years in order to determine if shift work affects cardiovascular function. In 1986 and 1996, the adjusted QT interval (QTc) was significantly longer in shift workers than in day workers. Of workers with a normal QTc in 1986, 15% had developed a prolonged QTc in 1996. Among the workers with a normal QTc in 1986, shift workers had a significantlylonger QTc than did day workers when the QTc was examined in 1996. In addition, day-shift work in the group with a normal QTc was significantly related to the QTc in 1996 after control for age, work duration, biochemical indicators, smoking and drinking habits. However, the blood pressures of the shift and day workers did not differ significantly, and in 1996 the values of both groups were significantly elevated. The data suggest that shift work is associated with QTc prolongation and may explain the increased risk for cardiovascular diseases due to shift work.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, June 1999, Vol.25, No.3, p.272-277. 33 ref.

CIS 00-114 Tomei F., Baccolo T.P., Tomao E., Palmi S., Rosati M.V.
Chronic venous disorders and occupation
A targeted questionnaire was administered to 336 male workers (112 industry workers, 120 stoneworkers, and 104 office workers) regarding occupational and extra-occupational risk factors for venous diseases. The workers were clinically examined, and a venous check-up and specific tests were done in clinostatic and orthostatic postures. The prevalence of chronic venous disorders was significantly higher among industrial workers than among stoneworkers and office workers. The results showed a positive relationship between the prevalence of venous diseases and increased age and number of hours spent standing. Considering workers of the same age classes, a higher prevalence of venous diseases was found between those who stood for ≥50% of their shift and those who stood for <50% of the time. The results suggest that professions involving standing, particularly for those standing for >50% of the shift, can influence the development of chronic venous disorders.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1999, Vol.36, No.6, p.653-665. Illus. 47 ref.

CIS 00-294 Merecz D., Makowska Z., Makowiec-Dąbrowska T.
The assessment of big five personality factors and temperament domains as modifiers of cardiovascular response to occupational stress
The role of the Big Five Personality Factors (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness) and Temperament Domains as factors influencing cardiovascular response to work, and their moderating effect on the relationship between occupational stress and cardiovascular reactivity was investigated in 97 bank clerks. Conscientiousness was found to be the only modifier of cardiovascular response to occupational stress, as reflected by systolic blood pressure. Several effects, independent of stress, associated with personality and temperament domains were also found: the ratio of heart rate at work to heart rate during sleep was associated with the strength of excitatory process, the percentage of maximum heart rate index with Conscientiousness, and systolic blood pressure at work was influenced by the strength of inhibitory process. However, physiological indicators of cardiovascular system function were not very sensitive to changes in values of personality and temperament variables at the level of occupational stress.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 1999, Vol.12, No.3, p.273-284. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 99-2030 Kattel B.P, Fernandez J.E.
The effects of rivet guns on hand-arm vibration
Vibration data were collected from five male and five female subjects using 12 rivet guns (from four different manufacturers depicted here as types l, 2, 3, and 4 with large, medium, and small sizes in each type) at three different postures (neutral, 1/3 maximum flexion, and 1/3 maximum ulnar deviation) and two different levels of applied force (8 and 12lbs). The results of analysis indicated that the level of vibration entering the hand was significantly higher for type 4 and large size than for other types and sizes. Based on the recommendations of ISO standard 5349, type 4 rivet guns should not be used for more than 30min per day. Results of detailed analysis and the ergonomic ramifications as well as practical applications of this finding are discussed. Topics: design of equipment; grip strength; hand tools; hand-arm vibration; Raynaud's phenomenon; repetitive strain injury; riveting; upper extremity disorders; vibrating tools; vibration acceleration; vibration damage risk criteria; vibration measurement; work posture.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar. 1999, Vol.23, No.5-6, p.595-608. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 99-1960 Aiba Y., Ohshiba S., Horiguchi S., Morioka I., Miyashita K., Kiyota I., Endo G., Takada H., Iwata H.
Peripheral hemodynamics evaluated by acceleration plethysmography in workers exposed to lead
To clarify the effect of lead exposure on peripheral haemodynamics, acceleration plethysmography (APG) was performed on 48 male subjects occupationally exposed to lead (exposure group) and 43 male subjects with no history of occupational exposure to lead (control group). In the exposure group, the blood lead concentration (Pb-B) was also measured. Each APG parameter was assessed by comparing measured data with standard aging curves. A significant negative correlation was obtained between the APG parameter -b/a and Pb-B. The exposure group showed significantly lower values of parameters -b/a and b/a than did the control group. The parameter -b/a in the exposure group showed a dose-dependent decrease with increases in length of working career (duration of exposure to lead) and Pb-B. The parameter -b/a significantly decreased in subjects with working careers of five years or more and in subjects whose Pb-B was 40µg/100mL or more. Results suggest that lead exposure affects peripheral haemodynamics as evaluated by APG. Topics: atherosclerosis; lead; determination in blood; dose-response relationship; exposure evaluation; lead industry; peripheral circulation; plethysmography.
Industrial Health, Jan. 1999, Vol.37, No.1, p.3-8. Illus. 18 ref.

CIS 99-1383 Knutsson A., Hallquist J., Reuterwall C., Theorell T., Åkerstedt T.
Shiftwork and myocardial infarction: A case-control study
Previous studies have indicated an association between shiftwork and coronary heart disease. The increased risk could be due to job strain, which could act as a mediator of disease. There is also a possibility that interaction between shiftwork and job strain could occur that may induce or modify the development of disease. This study was conducted to explore the relation between shiftwork, job strain, and myocardial infarction. 2006 cases with acute first time myocardial infarction were compared with 2642 controls without symptoms of myocardial infarction, and obtained from the same population that gave rise to the cases. Myocardial infarction risk was associated with shiftwork both in men and women. In the age group 45-55, the relative risk was 1.6 in men and 3.0 in women. The results cannot be explained by job strain, age, job education level, or smoking. No interaction was round between shiftwork and job strain. The findings indicate that shiftwork is associated with myocardial infarction in both men and women. The mechanism is unclear, but the relation cannot be explained by job strain, smoking, or job education level. Topics: age-linked differences; case-control study; coronary diseases; myocardial infarction; sex-linked differences; shift work; smoking; stress factors.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 1999, Vol.56, No.1, p.46-50. 15 ref.

1998

CIS 03-1198 Sosa Rodríguez V.
Study of work incapacity as a consequence of cardiovascular diseases
Estudio de la incapacidad laboral por enfermedades cardiocirculatorias [in Spanish]
This manual presents the current state of knowledge on cardiovascular diseases and the evaluation of work incapacity to which they give rise. It consists of three parts. The first part covers diagnostic medical examinations and exploratory techniques currently used in cardiology. The second part describes the main cardiovascular syndromes and diseases (valvulopathies, ischaemic cardiopathies, rhythm and conduction disorders, arterial hypertension, cardiac insufficiency, peripheral vascular diseases) as well as cardiac rehabilitation programmes, from the standpoint of work incapacity. The third part presents an ischaemic cardiopathy work incapacity evaluation system (risk assessment), together with six case studies.
Instituto Nacional de Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo, Madrid, Spain, 2nd ed., 1998. 214p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index.

CIS 01-734
Health and Safety Executive
Hand-arm vibration. Advice for employers and advice on vibration white finger for employees and the self-employed
Risgiau i iechyd o ddirgryniad llaw-braich: Cyngor i gyflogwyr; Cyngor i weithwyr a'r hunan-gyflogedig [in Welsh]
Translation into Welsh of the document originally abstracted as CIS 94-1885. The first of these two booklets provides advice to employers on the injuries caused by hand-arm vibration, jobs affected, control measures, information and training for employees and health surveillance. The second is aimed at employees and describes the nature and symptoms of vibration white finger, the causes of the problem and ways of reducing the risk.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1998. 2 booklets (15p. and 7p.). 6 ref.

CIS 01-114 Horwat F., Meyer J.P.
Ventilatory rate during work - Development and validation of indirect evaluation methods based on pulse rate and job observation
Débit ventilatoire de travail - Elaboration et validation de méthodes indirectes d'évaluation au moyen de la fréquence cardiaque et de l'observation de l'activité [in French]
Topics: description of technique; intensity of work; ISO; job study; measurement of work and effort; oxygen intake; pulse rate; statistical evaluation; ventilatory capacity.
Documents pour le médecin du travail, 4th Quarter 1998, No.76, p.343-350. Illus. 23 ref.

CIS 00-1334 Lefebvre-Vilardebo M.
Preventive phlebology for expatriates
Phlébologie préventive de l'expatrié [in French]
Topics: air transport; blood coagulation disorders; diseases of veins; lower extremity disorders; thrombosis; varicose veins.
Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 4th Quarter 1998, Vol.38 No.4, p.401-412.

CIS 00-1326 Vitry-Henry L., Deschamps F., Léone J., Germain M.L., Richard G., Pennaforte J.L.
Lupus induced by aromatic amines in a hairdresser
Lupus induit par les amines aromatiques chez une coiffeuse [in French]
Aromatic amine-induced toxic lupus is uncommon. A case in a hairdresser is reported. Laboratory findings showed a pattern of toxic lupus. Aromatic amines were found in hair dyes and permanent lotions. The patient was not taking any drugs. A cause-effect relationship was established between the aromatic amines and lupus. Based on the Pharmacovigilance Centre's methodology for unexpected or toxic drug reactions, intrinsic toxicity is likely.
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, Dec. 1998, Vol.59, No.8, p.548-551. 13 ref.

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