Heart rate variability in workers chronically exposed to lead.
BACKGROUND
Lead is a strong neurotoxin. The effects of lead on the activity of the autonomic nervous system, assessed by the use of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, have not yet been established.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of occupational chronic lead exposure on the autonomic nervous system activity.


METHODS
The study group consisted of 22 copper foundry workers (mean age 41.8+/-8.7 years) who had elevated parameters of lead overload and were admitted to the hospital for chelate therapy. The control group consisted of 13 age-matched healthy males. Lead concentration was measured with the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and concentration of free protoporphyrins in erythrocytes (FEP) using a fluorometric method. Each patient underwent 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring, and standard short-term as well as long-term HRV parameters were obtained.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between patients and controls in HRV parameters. In the control group, HRV parameters correlated with age. In patients, a significant negative correlation between lead concentration and some short-term HRV parameters calculated during the night was found: SDNN (r=-0.48, p<0.05), TP (r=-0.48, p<0.01) and LF (r=-0.48, p<0.01). In patients, a negative correlation between lead concentration and HFnight/HFday index was found (r=-0.47 p<0.01), whereas in controls this correlation was positive (r=0.66 p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Overall HRV indices are similar in subjects exposed to lead and in healthy controls. A decrease in the physiological elevation of HF values during the night, together with an increase in lead blood concentration and lack of relationship between age and HRV parameters in workers chronically exposed to lead may suggest disturbances of the autonomic system. In subjects not exposed to lead a decrease in heart rate with an increase in FEP concentration was observed.
Gajek
Jacek
J
Department of Cardiology, Medical Academy, Wrocław, Poland.
Zyśko
Dorota
D
Chlebda
Ewa
E
D000328:Adult; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*
D007854:Lead