[Evaluation of selected functional circulation parameters of workers from various occupational groups exposed to electromagnetic fields of high frequency. III. 24-h monitoring of arterial blood pressure (ABP)].

Abstract

The problem of blood pressure regulation in persons occupationally exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has not as yet been elucidated, and most data come from studies carried out long time ago (1960-70) in the former Soviet Union. Our study was aimed at verifying the Soviet data by means of modern methods. Together with traditional methods, a 24-h monitoring of arterial blood pressure (ABP) using a Medilog ABP kit (Oxford) were employed. Measurements were taken automatically every 0.5 h during daily activities and every 1 h during the night rest (about 41 measurements/day). The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were calculated over day (BPSDOver, BPDOver, HROver), during daily activities (HPDD, BPSD, HRD) and during the night rest (BPSN, BPDN, HRN). The subjective and objective examinations were carried out as well as resting ECG and a 24-h Holter were performed (the results have been published earlier). The study covered male workers of middlewave broadcast stations (71), radioservice (40) and radio line stations (42). The subjects were aged 21-60 years and the duration of their work with devices generating high frequency EMF ranged between 1 and 42 years. The first group of workers was exposed to EFM at the frequency of 1 Mhz, the second at about 150 Mhz and the third group, not exposed, served as the control group. The study revealed that the mean arterial blood pressure and the day/night blood pressure variability indicator showed no significant differences between the groups, whereas the daily heart rate was significantly lower in the workers of middlewave broadcast stations in comparison with the controls despite similar type of work as far as physical effort and psychic burden are concerned, and similar non-occupational activities. The day/night heart rate variability indicator was significantly lower in the groups exposed. The decreased value of this indicator may suggest the occurrence of disorders in the neurovegetative regulation. In persons employed at radioservice stations a higher incidence of the increased arterial blood pressure, in comparison with the control group, was observed.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Mean arterial blood pressure and the day/night blood pressure variability indicator showed no significant differences between groups. Daily heart rate was significantly lower in middlewave broadcast station workers versus controls, and the day/night heart rate variability indicator was significantly lower in exposed groups. A higher incidence of increased arterial blood pressure was observed in radioservice workers compared with controls.

Outcomes measured

• 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (systolic/diastolic)
• Day/night blood pressure variability indicator
• Heart rate (24-h; day; night)
• Day/night heart rate variability indicator
• Incidence of increased arterial blood pressure

Limitations

• Exposure metrics beyond nominal frequencies were not reported (e.g., field strength, SAR).
• Control group described as 'not exposed' but details of comparability and exposure assessment are not provided in the abstract.
• Statistical details (effect sizes, confidence intervals) are not provided in the abstract.
• Only male workers included; generalizability unclear.

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.9)
  Study evaluates cardiovascular parameters in workers occupationally exposed to high-frequency EMF at broadcast/radioservice stations.

{
    "study_type": "randomized_trial",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "occupational",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "1–42 years"
    },
    "population": "Male workers aged 21–60 years from middlewave broadcast stations, radioservice, and radio line stations (control).",
    "sample_size": 153,
    "outcomes": [
        "24-h ambulatory blood pressure (systolic/diastolic)",
        "Day/night blood pressure variability indicator",
        "Heart rate (24-h; day; night)",
        "Day/night heart rate variability indicator",
        "Incidence of increased arterial blood pressure"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Mean arterial blood pressure and the day/night blood pressure variability indicator showed no significant differences between groups. Daily heart rate was significantly lower in middlewave broadcast station workers versus controls, and the day/night heart rate variability indicator was significantly lower in exposed groups. A higher incidence of increased arterial blood pressure was observed in radioservice workers compared with controls.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Exposure metrics beyond nominal frequencies were not reported (e.g., field strength, SAR).",
        "Control group described as 'not exposed' but details of comparability and exposure assessment are not provided in the abstract.",
        "Statistical details (effect sizes, confidence intervals) are not provided in the abstract.",
        "Only male workers included; generalizability unclear."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "occupational exposure",
        "radiofrequency",
        "high frequency electromagnetic fields",
        "ambulatory blood pressure monitoring",
        "heart rate",
        "autonomic regulation",
        "middlewave broadcast stations",
        "radioservice",
        "control group"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.90000000000000002220446049250313080847263336181640625,
            "reason": "Study evaluates cardiovascular parameters in workers occupationally exposed to high-frequency EMF at broadcast/radioservice stations."
        }
    ]
}

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