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.