[Risk of cardiovascular diseases in lead-exposed workers of crystal glassworks. Part II. Lead impact on the cardiovascular system based on ultrasound assessment of carotid arteries, electrocardiograms and ankle-brachial index].
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common causes of the prevalence and mortality in the general population. Progressing pollution of the environment, as well as occupational exposure to heavy metals, including lead, may potentially accelerate the development of these disorders. Lead is a well known risk factor of arterial hypertension, and may be involved in atherogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of occupational lead exposure on the activity of cardiovascular system (CVS).


METHODS
The study group comprised 153 potentially healthy volunteers, working in a crystal glass foundry. They were examined using ultrasound assessment of carotid arteries, electrocardiograms and ankle-brachial index (ABI). The toxicological assessment of the study group for occupational lead poisoning was performed. Correlations between the degree of intoxication and functional changes in CVS were analyzed.


RESULTS
A negative linear correlation between blood lead level or fluorethylenepropylene (FEP) concentration and ABI values was shown, but only in a subgroup with normal lipid pattern. In the persons with higher blood lead levels, the higher values of arterial blood pressure and longer QT-space in electrocardiogram were evidenced. In addition, the right bundle branch block was more frequently observed (in 23% of workers).


CONCLUSIONS
Lead may be an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, especially in workers with normal lipid parameters. An increased arterial blood pressure and a decreased ankle-brachial index in the persons with normal cholesterol level can be regarded as a marker of this risk.
Doroszko
Adrian
A
Akademia Medyczna, Wrocław, Katedra i Klinika Chorób Wewnetrznych, Zawodowych i Nadciśnienia Tetniczego.
Skoczyńska
Anna
A
Drozdz
Katarzyna
K
Kreczyńska
Bogusława
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D055109:Ankle Brachial Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015984:Causality; D002617:Chemical Industry; D015897:Comorbidity; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000506:poisoning; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology*; D052439:Lipid Metabolism Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D014463:Ultrasonography
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D007854:Lead