The influence of shift work on the occurrence of hypertension, ischemic heart disease and dyslipidemia from the perspective of mine shift workers

Background
Shift work may affect the occurrence and severity of hypertension, ischemic heart disease and dyslipidemia. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of ischemic heart disease, hypertension and dyslipidemia in shift workers.

Material and methods
The study was carried out in the Bogdanka mine in Łęczna, Poland. The questionnaire, which was designed by the author of this work, was conducted among 700 shift workers who worked underground in the mine. Statistical analysis was performed using STATISTICA v. 7.1 (StatSoft, Poland) software.

Results
Participants who believed that shift work may lead to deterioration of their health also believed that it may affect the occurrence of ischemic heart disease and hypertension. Almost one in four respondents had blood pressure values of > 139/89 mmHg. Almost one in ten respondents was receiving treatment for hypertension. A small number of respondents reported abnormal total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusions
In the opinion of respondents, shift work can exacerbate hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Abnormal values of total cholesterol and its LDL and HDL fractions increased with age and length of work, while abnormal triglyceride values were reported most frequently by supervisors. It seems necessary to introduce training for shift workers, aimed at presenting them with the principles of prevention of cardiovascular diseases; for example, how to deal with stress, change eating habits, stop smoking and reduce coffee intake, and how to encourage physical activity and good sleep hygiene.