Work-related risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in New Zealand (NZ). There is evidence that occupational risk factors play a role in CVD; however, there are many knowledge gaps in part due to the relative lack of research in this area. We will use our previous NZ Workforce Survey (NZWS) and Māori NZWS as the basis for a prospective cohort study, by following up participants for new CVD outcomes through linkage with health records. We will assess associations between occupational exposures (including night shift, chemicals, noise, stress, strenuous/sedentary work) and ischaemic heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. We will also investigate potential intermediate and modifying factors (such as obesity and sleep problems) on CVD risk. This novel study will evaluate whether common and currently relevant workplace exposures increase the risk of CVD and identify specific modifiable occupational risk factors which will contribute to improved prevention.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

Barnes L, Corbin M, Denison H, Eng A, 't Mannetje A, Haslett S, McLean D, Ellison-Loschmann L, Jackson R, Douwes J. (2019) Differences in cardiovascular risk factor profiles across occupational groups. 27th International Symposium on Epidemiology in Occupational Health (EPICOH 2019). 29 Apr-2 May, Wellington, NZ. Occ Environ Med, 2019; 76(1): A56.
Douwes J, Ellison-Loschmann L, Corbin M, Barnes L, Denison H, Eng A, 't Mannetje A, McLean D, Jackson R. (2019) Ischaemic heart disease and occupation: a linkage between two New Zealand surveys and the Integrated Data Infrastructure. 27th International Symposium on Epidemiology in Occupational Health (EPICOH 2019). 29 Apr-2 May, Wellington, NZ. Occ Environ Med, 2019; 76(1): A55.
Barnes L, Eng A, Denison H, 't Mannetje A, Haslett S, McLean D, Jackson R, Douwes J. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in different occupational groups in New Zealand. Ann Work Expo Health, 2020; 64(6): 645-658.
Eng A, Corbin M, Denison H, Barnes L, 't Mannetje A, McLean D, Laird I, Douwes J. Occupation exposures and Ischaemic Heart Disease: results from the entire employed population of New Zealand. The International Population Data Linkage Network, Virtual Conference 1-13 November 2020. (Oral presentation)