Comparison between surgeons and general practitioners with respect to cardiovascular and psychosocial risk factors among physicians.

The incidence of mortality from ischemic heart disease in Sweden has been reported to be elevated for surgeons in comparisons with most other groups of physicians. The objective of the present investigation was to compare cardiovascular risk factors and psychosocial work characteristics of surgeons and general practitioners, the latter having a substantially lower rate of ischemic heart disease. A random sample of 36 male surgeons and 30 male general practitioners was selected. The results showed no clear-cut differences in physiological risk factors. Overall mental strain was greater among the surgeons, as was the inability to relax after work, perceived work tempo, and total number of workhours. There were significant associations between psychosocial work characteristics and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and the study gives further support to the validity of using long-term glucose markers, such as fructosamine, as indicators of metabolic stress.