Impact on workers health and work ability from Work-related Cardiovascular Disorders

Introduction Relationship between work and CVD morbidity and mortality has been found wider than expected in the past. The loss of work ability and life years is higher than from any other disease particularly in the industrialized and transitory countries. Method Literature overview of traditional and new CVD risks at work and their impact on work ability.  Results Literature review shows that in spite of enormous progress in the prevention of cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) they still contribute to 50% of all causes of death and 25% of work disability in virtually all industrialised countries. In addition to traditional risk factors, many aspects in the so called “new work life” are associated with elevated risk of CVDs. Knowledge on prevention has grown on both, CVDs in general and on occupationally determined CVDs as well. Combination of multiple strategies at primary, secondary and tertiary levels including prevention, promotion and maintenance of work ability as well as return to work have shown positive results. They need preventive interventions, focusing to management of risk factors at work, working practices, work organization, management cultures and life styles and health behaviour. Comprehensive occupational health services have virtually daily access to risk groups and risk environments and jobs, and for early detection of risks.   Discussion The identification, recognition and prevention of work-related communicable and communicable diseases of working populations constitute a new challenge to occupational health. Most of the occupational health services may need new reorientation and special training for staffs on prevention and management of work-related cardiovascular morbidity is needed.