Increased risk for coronary heart disease in blue-collar workers at a military industrial plant in Greece?
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that blue-collar workers have a higher prevalence of risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease than white-collar workers.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study of 262 employees (208 males, 54 females, mean age: 50,65 years) was made of a Greek military industrial plant. Blood samples were taken and analyzed for lipids, lipoprotein levels and glucose levels; arterial blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) were also recorded. Smoking habits were ascertained by the use of a self-administered questionnaire.


RESULTS
White-collar workers had significantly higher mean levels of total and LDL cholesterol than blue-collar workers. No significant differences were found regarding arterial blood pressure, BMI, glucose, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels. Both groups reported similarly high rates of smoking. Multivariate analysis confirmed an independent association of abnormal levels of total and LDL cholesterol with white-collar occupation.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings partly contradict the current pattern of CHD risk factors in Western workforces. Possible interpretations, as well as the limitations of the study, are discussed.
Rachiotis
G
G
Department of Physiology, Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece.
Papanagiotou
G
G
Kambosi
Constantina
C
Behrakis
P
P
Kremastinos
D
D
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002617:Chemical Industry; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations / Q000145:classification; D015995:Prevalence; D012306:Risk; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology
D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids; D008074:Lipoproteins