Varicose disease and harmful production factors
Background. Varicose disease is the most wide-spread vascular disease of the lower extremities. The form of occupation and work conditions significantly affect the cardiovascular system due to regular and unavoidable action of the human body. Aim: to determine the influence of hazardous work conditions on the incidence of varicose veins of the lower extremities among the persons subjected to periodic medical examinations; to identify the most important factors in the development of this pathology; to propose methods for preventing the occurrence of varicose veins in the manufacturing sector with hazardous conditions. Methods. Analysis of the outpatient histories (account form No. 025 \ у-04) of employees having periodic medical examinations was performed, with 528 female and 1489 male patients in total. The analysis of the outpatient histories, as well as processing of the obtained material were accomplished using the universal statistical package of Statgraphics Plus for Windows. Results. It has been established that hazardous work conditions, such as vibration, increase the incidence of varicose veins of the lower extremities, and the “hazardous” work experience plays the main role in increasing the incidence of this pathology. Conclusion. Hazardous work factors affect the incidence of the varicose disease of the lower extremities towards its elevation. The age, “hazardous” work experience and conditions associated with vibration play the major role in the increase of the disease incidence. A set of measures aimed at the prevention of varicose disease in the manufacturing sector has been suggested as a result of the study.