Selected topics related to occupational exposures - Part V. Occupational cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is common in the United States. Several occupational exposures, such as carbon disulfide and organic nitrates, are believed to cause occupational cardiovascular disease. In addition some other agents, s uch as lead and cadmium, may indirectly cause cardiovascular disease throug h their effects on blood pressure. For other agents tie, carbon monoxide, s olvents, and chlorofluorocarbons), acute exposure and high levels may cause cardiovascular disease but may not cause cardiovascular disease through lo ng-term or low levels. A primary care physician who has a patient with a new or unstable cardiovas cular disease should obtain an occupational history to assess whether occup ational exposures may be playing a role. An occupational history may indica te potential cardiovascular risks. Such risks can include exposure to certa in chemicals and metals, physical factors, exertion, or psychological stres s. The primary care physician should be able to assess the situation and ad vise the patient, as well as the employer, about restrictions or accommodat ions that may need to be made.