Effect of Occupational Exposure to Pesticides on Cardiovascular System among Farmers: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Agriculturea very complex occupation, apart from increasing productivity also brings huge loss to community in terms of its ill effects on human health,plant and animal life. Adverse effects on cardiovascular system is likely to occur due to aggressive use of agrochemicals such as pesticides. Objectives: To Study Changes in ECG due to pesticide exposure among farmers and to Compare these ECG Changes in those farmers with that of normal non-exposed subjects. Materials and Method: A 12 lead ECG was recorded in apparenty healthy male farmers exposed to pesticides and normal non exposed age matched male control subjects and analysed for parameters such as heart rate, PR interval, QTC interval, QRS axis, ST and T wave changes and compared. Results: This study reports significantly increased heart rate, prolonged QTC interval and non-specific ST and T wave changes among pesticide exposed farmers compared to non-exposed control subjects. Conclusion: The current study concludes that there is a need to detect these ECG changes as early as possible so that future risk of cardiovascular disease can be prevented by adapting precautionary measures during application of pesticides. Some form of continuous cardiac monitoring seems advisable. Farmers can be advised to quit toxic chemical fertilizers & pesticides and opt Organic ones to be safe from the hazardous implications of exposure.