Cardiovascular Risks and Impaired Lipid Metabolism in Asymptomatic Petroleum Depot Workers in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria

The health concerns about working in a petroleum depot without wearing a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) warranted this study. The anthropometric, lipid profile and blood pressure status were assessed by standard methods in asymptomatic adult male depot workers (n = 64) and male university students (n = 64), in Calabar metropolis, Nigeria. The concentration (mmol LG1) of total cholesterol (5.21±0.90), triacylglycerol (1.23±0.20) and very low density lipoprotein (0.56±0.19) respectively in the serum of the depot workers were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in the control (5.09±0.04, 1.15±0.04 and 0.52±0.09). The body weight (73.75±0.11 kg), height (1.72±0.1 m) and body mass index, BMI, (24.58±0.73 kg mG2) of the depot workers were higher (p>0.05) than that of the control. The Blood Pressure (BP) of the exposed group (120/90±1.38 mmHg) and the control (120/80±1.14 mmHg) differed only in the Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) by 10 mmHg and in the calculated systolic to diastolic blood pressure ratio (SBP:DBP) by 0.17. The study suggested cardiovascular risks and impaired lipid metabolism in the petroleum depot workers. The health implications of this study warrant a follow up perhaps, in a larger population and sample size. The study underscored the need for the petroleum depot workers to wear personal protective equipment and to assess their health status on a regular basis.