[Risk of cadrdiovascular diseases in lead-exposed workers of crystal glassworks. Part I. Effect of lead on blood pressure and lipid metabolism].

BACKGROUND: Chronic occupational or environmental exposure to small doses of lead results in cardiovascular disorders: arterial hypertension, lipid metabolism disturbances and exacerbation of free radical processes. Each of these changes determines an independent cardiovascular risk factor. The aim of this study was to estimate the cardiovascular risk among the employees exposed to lead in crystal glassworks during the coming 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 153 persons convinced of their good health status were eligible for the study. A questionnaire was used as a study tool, physical, biochemical and toxicological (free erythrocyte protoporphyrins and lead level in whole blood) studies were performed and the cardiovascular risk factor (SCORE) was individually estimated. RESULTS: Compared to the general population, the increased rate of arterial hypertension, as well as numerous cases of lipid disturbances were revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Workers occupationally exposed to lead should have the cardiovascular risk factor (SCORE) individually estimated. In view of the higher incidence of hypertension in this population, a special attention should be paid to the detection of this pathology and the efficiency of this disease treatment should be controlled. It is necessary to initiate program of individualized actions to decrease so called hard end-points like stroke, myocardial infarct and sudden death.