Dyslipidemia in industrial workers in hot environments.

The aim of the study was to follow the rate and manifestation of dyslipidemia in industrial workers exposed to heat. One hundred and two male industrial workers exposed to heat and a control group of 102 male workers were studied. The microclimate components were followed and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) was calculated. The mean WGBT was 35.4 degrees C (28.4-41.7 degrees C) for the studied heat exposed work places. The lipid indices: total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triacylglycerols were assayed with enzymatic tests. TC/HDL-C ratio was calculated, too. Arterial pressure, anthropometric variables, smoking, alcohol use were followed and no significant differences between the studied groups were found. Significantly higher TC, LDL-C and TC/HDL-C were found with the heat exposed industrial workers. Odds ratio indicated higher risk in heat exposed industrial workers of becoming dyslipidemic [for TC OR = 1.481 (1.097-2.002) and for LDL-C OR = 1.539 (1,123-2.111)]. Regular screening of lipid profile in heat exposed workers is recommended.