The Effect of High Temperature on Cardiovascular Autonomic Function Tests in Steel Plant Furnace Worker

BACKGROUND: The high temperature in the working environment could be one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in steel plant workers. The excessive high temperature at the working place leads to altered autonomic activity and is related to more cardiovascular risk. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The effect of high temperature on cardiovascular autonomic function tests in steel plant furnace worker. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a case-control study for which 50 steel plant furnace workers and 50 controls were selected. The cardiovascular sympathetic function status in worker and control were analyzed by three tests: (i) Blood pressure (BP) response to sustained isometric handgrip test, (ii) BP response to the cold pressor test, and (iii) BP response to standing from a supine position (orthostasis). Statistical analysis was done by using an independent t-test. RESULTS: Diastolic BP (DBP) response to sustained isometric handgrip and systolic BP (SBP) and DBP response to the cold pressor test showed that the increase BP in workers were more than controls but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). SBP response to standing from the supine position showed statistically significant (P < 0.001) greater fall in steel plant workers. CONCLUSION: The sympathetic autonomic dysfunction was seen in steel furnace workers in response to environmental stressor–excessive heat.