Psychophysiological Model of Stress-Induced Cardiovascular Disorders Development Risk

Abstract

Aim: According to the Russian Center of Emergency and Radiation Medicine, cardiovascular disorders remain one of the most important for firefighters and rescuers: during a 20-year monitoring period the rate for IX class diseases has changed from 19.5% to 29% with a constant increase in days away from work among firefighters. Arterial hypertension is in the leading place among cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, the issue of the early diagnosis of these disorders remains relevant. The article deals with describing a psychophysiological model of stress-induced cardiovascular disorders risk development in various categories of professional expertise for firefighters. Materials and methods. A comparative analysis of heart rate variability index, pulse wave velocity, rheoencephalography is conducted.146 respondents were examined: 81 cadets of the 1st, 3rd and 5th years of study in 3 categories of professional expertise (average age 20 ± 1.64 years) and 65 males, aged from 20 to 50 years (average age 24.7 ± 5 years). The recording of HRV and PWV data was carried out using VNS-Micro and Poly-Spectrum 8 (Neurosoft Ltd.) computer systems. The results were processed with the standard methods of non-parametric statistics. Categories of professional expertise were determined by standard methods, according to the order of the Russian Emergencies Ministry. Results. Personnel of the 1st and 3rd categories of professional expertise are characterized by the optimal heart rate regulation; they are better adapted to the effects of professional extreme factors and have a good level of adaptive reserves of the body. Cadets of the 2nd category of professional expertise are more at risk of maladaptive cardiovascular disorders. A critical period for the formation of stress-related disorders is the work experience of 5 to 10 years. Conclusion. The described model of cardiovascular disorders development risk allows us to make suggestions for improving the system of medical and psychological support, as well as the professional selection system, for firefighters depending on the category of professional expertise.