ISCHEMIC HEART-DISEASE AND WORK STRESS IN WEST-GERMAN SEA PILOTS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 19  (11) , 762-765
Abstract
A mortality study of sea pilots operating in West Germany was undertaken following a similar study in Britain. An excess mortality from cardiac disease in this occupational group compared with the male population of Hamburg was noted.sbd.a finding similar to the previous British study. This excess is most noticeable in the 31-50 yr old group in which the pilots experienced 22 cardiac deaths while only 4 would have been expected based on Hamburg males mortality experience. In 1950-59 the pilots experienced 30 cardiac deaths compared to an expected 10. Present estimates suggest that the pilots'' mortality is now similar to the general population rate. Although this excess cardiac mortality is probably related to established coronary artery disease risk factors, occupational stress may also be involved. There was a statistically significant rise in catecholamines during 3 pilotage operations for each of 5 volunteer pilots (P less than 0.01). A detailed work load study is required to clarify the role of stress and close occupational surveillance of pilots is needed.

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