Ischemic heart disease mortality and occupation among 16-to 60-year-old males

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, and the role of occup ation continues to generate interest, Using the National Occupational Morta lity Surveillance system proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) analyses were used to examine the association between occupation and ischemic heart disea se among 16- to 60-year-old males. We used data from 1982-1992 from 27 stat es. Separate analyses were conducted for blue-collar and white-collar occup ations. Among the blue-collar occupations with the highest PMRs for ischemi c heart disease mortality were sheriffs, correctional institution officers, policemen, firefighters, and machine operators. Physicians (blacks:only) a nd clergy (both races) were among the white-collar occupations with the hig hest PMRs for ischemic heart disease, Although more study is needed, consid eration should be made for targeting high-PMR occupations, with improvement in work organization to reduce occupational stress and promotion of health y lifestyles through cardiovascular disease prevention programs.