Risk factors for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and sleepiness in truck drivers

Abstract

Car accidents are an important cause of death from external causes with significant social cost. The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is associated with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and sleep disorders. Sleepiness is one of the main factors associated with crash accidents in truck drivers. Methods: We analyzed the major risk factors for CVD and sleep disorders in 2228 truck drivers in 144 police road commands made by the federal highway police from 2006 to 2011. The diagnosis of MetS used was as defined by current guidelines. Sleepiness was assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Statistical analyzes included linear regression model. Results: Mean age was 43.1±10.8 years. From 2006 to 2011 we observed: 1) increase in body fat (25.3% to 62.4%, p=0.048) (top figure), neck (7.5% to 13.9%, p = 0.011) and abdominal circumference (19.8% to 52.8% p<0.001), high plasma levels of triglycerides (25.8% to 39.1%, p=0.014), total cholesterol (4.4% to 13.7%, p<0.001),and sleepiness (4.9% to 14.7%, p<0.001) (bottom figure); 2) reduction of hypertension (39.6% to 25.9%, p<0.001), consumption alcohol (32% to 23%, p=0.033) and in excess of hours worked (52.2% to 42.8%, p <0.001); 3) smoking (20.3% to 17.7%, p=0.192), hyperglycemia (14.9% to 11%, p=0.267), and illicit drugs use (5.5% to 8.1%, 0.127, p=0.127) were similar in the years analyzed. Conclusion: The increased sleepiness was associated with major components of the metabolic syndrome.