Cardiovascular Morbidity among Medical Staff in the Russian Subarctic Territory

Abstract

The aim of our study was to assess the level of cardiovascular disease among medical personnel working in extreme Arctic climatogeographic conditions. Materials and Methods: We used the materials from periodic preventive medical examinations to study the state of health of 3,013 people working in medical organizations: 796 doctors, 2,217 employees of secondary medical personnel. All patients were between 20 and 64 years of age (mean of 38.4±0.71 years). Using a questionnaire, we conducted a survey on the person’s attitude toward the state of health and the quality of life with respect to cardiovascular disorders. Results: The total morbidity of the medical workers was higher than the average for the entire population of the Arkhangelsk region and the Russian Federation as a whole. CVD occupied about a third of the total structure of chronic pathology among medical workers in the Northern territories. Among CVD, the most frequently registered ailments were arterial hypertension, CHD, and venous lesions of the lower extremities. According to the results of the survey to assess the level of health in relation to the cardiovascular system, more than half of the surveyed physicians regarded it as satisfactory. At the same time, about one-third of the respondents rated their health level as excellent or good. Conclusion: the work of medical workers, especially in extreme climatogeographic Northern conditions, can be considered as an additional risk factor for chronic diseases. The identified adverse trends in the deterioration of the medical workers’ health dictate the need for the organization and implementation of preventive measures aimed at the early detection of CVD, followed by medical and recreational activities.