Dynamic blood pressure in workers exposed to urban stressors.

Background: The occupational exposure to urban pollution may induce adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.

Methods: Basal blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG) and the dynamic blood pressure monitoring during the work shift of 16 policemen (outdoors workers) and 16 administrative employees (indoor workers) were compared.

Results: The mean value of all the diastolic blood pressure surveys in policemen (84,53 ± 10,78) is significantly higher (p = 0,014) than the mean value of all the diastolic blood pressure surveys in indoor workers (82,74 ± 11.52).

Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that the occupational exposure to urban stressors may induce an increase of the diastolic blood pressure in workers during the working hours.