|
 Researchers examined data on occupational exposure to solvents,
metals and pesticides for 7,404 workers who were part of a
Hispanic/Latino health study in four cities: Chicago, San Diego,
Miami and New York. Overall, 6.5 percent of participants reported
exposure to solvents at work, 8.5 percent encountered potentially
toxic metals and 4.7 percent had pesticide exposure.
Individuals who were exposed to pesticides were more than twice as
likely overall to have conditions like heart disease, heart failure
or an irregular rapid heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation. Metal
exposure was associated with a four-fold increase in risk for atrial
fibrillation.
"Occupational exposures have been associated with clinical risk
factors of cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, but
few studies have evaluated whether there is actually an association
with cardiovascular disease itself," said lead study author Maria
Argos of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
"Our study suggests that occupational exposures to metals or
pesticides is associated with an elevated prevalence of coronary
heart disease and atrial fibrillation," Argos said by email.
It's not exactly clear why this is the case, or whether Hispanic
workers might be more or less susceptible to heart problems
associated with pesticide exposure than people from other racial or
ethnic groups, Argos said.
It's possible, however, that exposure to pesticides or metals might
increase inflammation or directly cause damage in the cardiovascular
system, Argos said.
Overall, 6.1 percent of the workers in the study had at least one
form of cardiovascular disease. Most of these cases were coronary
heart disease, in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the
heart.
Workers exposed to pesticides were 2.2 times more likely to have
coronary heart disease than workers without this exposure. Pesticide
exposure was also associated with nearly six times the odds of
atrial fibrillation and a 38 percent higher risk of blood vessel
damage in the brain.
[to top of second column] |
Organic solvents used for tasks like degreasing, dry cleaning and
making things like paint, plastics and textiles were not associated
with an increased risk of heart problems, the researchers reported
in the journal Heart.
One limitation of the study is that researchers relied on workers to
accurately recall and report on any exposure to pesticides, solvents
and metals on the job, the authors note. Researchers also lacked
data on the total amount of exposure to these potential toxins,
making it impossible to distinguish between occasional and habitual
contact.
Even so, the results offer fresh evidence that working with these
chemicals may be a risk factor for heart disease, said Benjamin
Horne of the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute and the
University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
"These findings are especially important for individuals with other
risk factors for cardiovascular diseases who work in occupations
that deal with potential pesticide and metal exposures," Horne, who
wasn't involved in the study, said by email.
Workers who come in contact with pesticides and metals, regardless
of any other risk factors for heart disease, should take precautions
to limit their exposure, doctors advise.
"A number of precautions can be taken to minimize workplace
exposures such as working in well-ventilated areas, utilizing
protective equipment such as gloves, eyewear, or respirators, and
washing hands or skin coming in contact with hazardous agents,"
Argos said. "Behavioral changes such as eating healthy and being
physically active are the best ways to minimize risk for those who
may be concerned about developing heart disease."
SOURCE: https://bit.ly/2VHFPc3 Heart, online December 11, 2018.
[© 2019 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2019 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
 |
