The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among healthcare workers has risen significantly, according to new findings from the University Hospital of Bari, Italy. A recently conducted three-year observational study, encompassing 6000 healthcare professionals, revealed alarming statistics: the proportion of workers diagnosed with CVD increased from 12% to 16.1%.
Throughout the study, which was executed from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022, researchers identified 442 new diagnoses of CVDs. Notably, physicians were statistically more affected, with 57.8% among them showing signs of cardiovascular issues. The most common risk factors leading to these diagnoses were age, male sex, and family history of CVDs.
Interestingly, the study found what some may perceive as contradictory evidence surrounding shift work. Traditionally considered to contribute to adverse health outcomes, shift work demonstrated what researchers described as an unexpected protective role, reflected by adjusted odds ratios supportive of this finding.
Cardiovascular diseases are notorious for being the leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for around 30% of deaths globally. Factors associated with CVDs include various lifestyle choices and biological elements. The economic impact is also considerable, with costs attributed to cardiovascular diseases estimated at approximately 210 billion euros annually, including both direct medical expenses and indirect costs associated with loss of productivity.
To address the risk posed to healthcare workers, the researchers implemented preventive health screening protocols, as mandated by Italian law. The screenings included clinical examinations, blood analyses, and electrocardiograms (ECGs) aimed at the early identification of potential cardiovascular issues. Out of the total cohort, about 1833 workers fell under the high-risk category, with 55.4% identified as night shift workers.
Interestingly, the newly identified cases across all participants illustrated the pressing need for improved health surveillance measures. The findings suggest significant exposure to psychosocial stressors within healthcare environments, raising serious questions about the long-term occupational health of this community.
The outcomes of the study align with the recent 2021 guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) on cardiovascular disease prevention, which advocate for systematic assessments boosting early diagnosis and subsequent preventive care. Despite heightened awareness and guidelines, certain populations, such as healthcare workers, may still face underappreciated health risks.
Further analyses reveal high levels of dyslipidemia among healthcare workers, with 46.9% of high-risk cohort members affected. The most prevalent CVDs included anatomical-functional disorders followed by hypertension and rhythm abnormalities. The research highlights the necessity for health monitoring initiatives not only to identify existing conditions but to engage healthcare workers with preventive counseling.
These findings substantiate the role of health surveillance as more than merely regulatory compliance; it serves as a platform for occupational healthcare initiatives, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and managing cardiovascular health within the healthcare industry. The health outcomes observed throughout the study period suggest the potential for routine health screening protocols to become a model across different industries and sources of employment.
Crucially, the results concluded with calls for more expansive studies to solidify the evidence base supporting new prevention models and health promotion strategies targeting general populations. Researchers stress the need for collaborative efforts among organizations to effectively cultivate healthier working environments.
By highlighting the high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among healthcare personnel, the study paves the way for public health decisions related to cardiovascular disease prevention programs. Moving forward, the principles derived from this study could be adapted to benefit the health and safety of workers across different sectors.