The deleterious physiological effects of different stressful work scenarios are reviewed, with a focus upon cardiovascular hemodynamic changes leading to the development of essential hypertension. Mechanisms by which long work hours and shift work as well as exacerbating physical stressors such as noise, glare, heavy lifting, vibration, cold and heat can impact upon the cardiovascular system as well as other target organs are discussed. Occupational groups exposed to a large number of these stressors are found to be at high risk for hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, peptic ulcer disease, as well as musculo-skeletal disorders interalia. We present an integrated view of epidemiologic, laboratory and field data from ambulatory monitoring for high-risk groups to illustrate how these mechanisms can operate in working life.

Lead Instructor: Karen Belkic, Peter Schnall

Psychosocial Practicum: Feedback to students on submitted questionnaires

Readings:

The central nervous system: Bridge between the external milieu and the cardiovascular system. In: Schnall PL, Belkic K, Landsbergis PA, Baker D (eds.) Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Review. The Workplace and Cardiovascular Disease. 2000; 15 (1):107-115.

Evidence for mediating econeurocardiologic mechanisms. In: Schnall PL, Belkic K, Landsbergis PA, Baker D (eds.) Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Review. The Workplace and Cardiovascular Disease. 2000; 15(1): 117-162.