1,397 seamen and deep-sea fishermen were examined, their polycardiographic records were evaluated. Their mean age was 44.1 +/- 9.3 years, while the period of the service at sea averaged 22.8 +/- 7.1 years. Using Wezler and Boeger's method, physical analysis of the blood circulation was carried out. Carotid arteriograms were evaluated with Donzelot's method. Electrocardiograms were evaluated following Minnesota Code 1982. In 587 people (42.0%) pathological changes in the blood circulation were revealed. In 260 people (18.6%) ECG records were abnormal. In 112 people (8%) border hypertension was recorded and in 486 people (13.3%) arterial hypertension was diagnosed. Abnormal speed of the central pulse wave, air chamber elasticity coefficient and peripheral resistance occurred in 35%, and abnormal carotid arteriograms were registered in 34.5% of the men examined. The data of the survey indicated that the risk of diseases of the circulatory system was high in the occupational group examined.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Reasons why the dockers lost their fitness for work--a retrospective survey.

Evaluation of the reasons for loss of capability for performing heavy and very heavy loading operations was based on retrospective population examinations carried out in two loading sites in ports. Enrolled in the study were 701 people, their working period in port over 5 years (mean 18.9 +/- 6.1 years). The age of the examined averaged 42.4 +/- 11.3 years. In course of 6 years 32.4% of this group changed their work due to structural changes in port, 67.6% due to loss of health qualifications. In the evaluation of health reasons predominant were diseases of the peripheral nervous system, of musculoskeletal system and of connective tissue (22.4%). Second as to the incidence were chronic diseases of the respiratory system and upper respiratory tracts (17.8%), in that 6% of allergies and 1.3% tuberculosis. Next were diseases of the circulatory system (13.3%), out of 3.8% were hypertension and 4.7% heart ischaemic disease. Last position was occupied by diseases of the stomach and duodenum (7.1%) and posttraumatic states of the muscular and osseous system (4.3%). Changing of the working post for health reasons up to 30th year of age occurred in 6.8%, up to 40th year in 10.1% and to 50th year of life in 62.2% people examined. Change of the working post due to professional or educational promotion occurred chiefly below the age of 40.

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