Ischemic heart disease in female cleaners.

Review of the literature regarding ischemic heart disease (IHD) among female cleaners in Medline and NIOSHTIC for 1990-2001 yielded one specifically relevant study, three surveys of several occupations, and one case-referent study. All showed minor increases of standardized mortality ratios or relative risks regarding diseases of the circulatory system, IHD, or myocardial infarction among female cleaners. Many determinants might explain the female cleaners' increased risk for IHD, e.g., imbalances regarding job strain and effort-reward, anxiety and depression, periodontal disease, smoking habits and air pollutants. These factors need further exploration.