RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of early atherosclerosis in healthy workers and the relationship between classical, psychological, and immunological risk factors and atherosclerosis, as well as their predictive value. METHODS: One hundred healthy managers and 50 office workers aged 35-65 were studied. In all subjects, individual, family, and occupational stress/coping risk factors were evaluated, including plasma levels of biochemical (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, TG, glucose) and inflammatory-immunological (aCL, anti-beta(2) GPI, oxLDL, HSP, HSCRP) parameters. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries were assessed with computer analysis of B-mode ultrasound images. RESULTS: In 107 persons (71%) no changes were found in ultrasound images and in 43 individuals (29%) the presence of plaque was shown. The mean IMT value was 0.0618+/-0.013 mm. Cross-domain analysis showed that core predictors for IMT were age, LDL level, smoking, and occupation (being a manager) (beta=0.33, 0.30, 0.23, and 0.20, respectively); the core predictors for plaque were age, total cholesterol level, and an occupational stressor home-work balance (Wald=7, 6.7, and 5.6, respectively). Immunological factors were not independent predictors. CONCLUSIONS: In atherosclerosis, not only traditional risk factors (age, lipid disorders, and lifestyle) but also occupational stress factors may play a role. Immunological factors do not seem to play a role in the development of atherosclerosis in a population of healthy workers. The interplay between occupational stress and atherosclerotic changes requires further investigation.
RESUMEN
Twenty men with coronary heart disease underwent the following exercise tests: a) bicycle ergometry, b) 5 kilometre walk and c) short march with a 5 kilogram weight carried in one hand. In each performed test during maximal work the following parameters were determined: oxygen uptake (VO2), plasma noradrenaline (NA) and lactate (LA) concentrations. ECG was monitored continuously and blood pressure was measured. It was found that a supplementary static load added to the dynamic work during short march with a weight resulted in the highest NA concentration. In that test, the rate-pressure product (HR X BPs) also increased and a greater ST segment depression and aggravation of arrhythmia were noted as compared to the findings obtained during the 5 kilometer march and also in the classic ergometric test.