[Monitoring arterial hypertension in workers in professions exposed to vibration hazards (results of a 15-year study)].

AIM: To follow up for 15 years prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) in workers exposed to vibration, to study AH course and possible correction in long-term vibration exposure.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The survey covered 1232 males aged 25-59 years exposed to vibration at their working places for 1 to 30 years (test group) and 1163 males matched for age but not exposed to vibration (control group). Active primary and secondary prevention of AH and annual population control for 10 years were performed in the test group. The control group was followed up outpatiently without active intervention. Final screening was conducted 5 years after completion of the program of AH prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Among workers exposed to vibration AH prevalence was similar to that in the controls and tended to reduction in the process of preventive treatment. However, after the end of prophylactic measures AH incidence rate returned to the baseline level. In workers at risk of vibration aftereffects conversion of normal arterial pressure to hypertension was observed more frequently than in unexposed patients. This requires active prophylactic intervention.

CONCLUSION

Long-term exposure to moderate and high frequency vibration is an AH risk factor. Incidence rate of AH increases with longer exposure to vibration. Compared to controls, aged workers exposed to vibration have AH much more frequently.