Cardiac and vascular disorders as para-occupational diseases – a Polish perspective

Abstract

Introduction. The study presents the difference between occupational and para-occupational diseases in terms of Polish law, and indicates the fact that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are considered to be work-related, and describes the latest reports on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in workplaces. Objective. The aim of this study is to present the difference between occupational and para-occupational diseases in terms of Polish law. Also indicated is the fact that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are considered to be work-related and the latest reports on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in workplaces are described. Brief description of the state of knowledge. Polish law distinguishes two groups of diseases that may arise in connection with work: occupational diseases and work-related diseases (so-called para-occupational diseases). Despite the fact that both groups are connected with the work environment they are not equivalent in legal terms. CVDs are one of the greatest threat to human life. The pathogenesis of these diseases is highly dependent on the compilation of adverse risk factors, which are typically divided into modifiable and non-modifiable. To-date, modifiable factors, i.a. excess weight and high blood pressure, were mainly associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. However, a shift in perspective has taken place and currently researchers focus more on the work environment as a possible factor affecting people's health. It is emphasized that an unhealthy work environment increases the risk of CVD. Research shows that workplaces are rich in risk factors specifically related to work, including psychosocial, physical and chemical factors. Conclusions. Legal principles covering para-occupational diseases in Poland seem incomplete. It is suggested that providing detailed legal authorization and defining the bodies that will objectively and reliably engage in the diagnostic process of para-occupational diseases may be beneficial to employees.

Dyslipidaemia, carbohydrate metabolism disorders and arterial hypertension detected in academic employees during examinations in occupational medicine

“…There may be several explanations for this difference. Firstly, the HAB group had a higher mean age and the WOBASZ study demonstrated that SBP rises with age until about the age of 70 [10]. Secondly, achieving the degree of a postdoctoral fellow may be in itself stressful due to the highly competitive environment and challenging work.…”

Military Blood Service in Poland

“…Surprisingly, there was a decrease in the number of disqualifications due to cardiovascular diseases, more noticeable compared to the main reasons for disqualification (Table 3, "A-E"), in the context of persistently high incidence and death rates due to these diseases. 31,32 It is possible that awareness of one's own cardiovascular health problems or treatment used 33 significantly influence these patients' decisions to donate blood, hence the decrease in such disqualifications (Table 3). What is equally positively surprising is the decrease in disqualifications of donors due to viral hepatitis (Table 3).…”