Evaluation of ECG screening for diagnosis of acute cardiovascular diseases during preliminary examinations in locomotive crew workers

Abstract

The authors present results of pilot multicentric study on ECG registration in locomotive crew workers, for possible use of ECG in preliminary examination of locomotive crew workers, to lower risk of sudden life-threatening cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, severe heart rhythm changes, sudden death) at work. In ECG screening among 421 workers of locomotive crew, first identification of previously undiagnosed pathologic ECG changes (including right bundle-branch block, auricular and ventricular extrasystoles, WPW phenomenon, left ventricle repolarization disorders) was made. Based on the results obtained, the authors made a conclusion on expediency of ECG registration during preliminary medical examinations of locomotive crew workers, formulated requirements to hardware and software ECG complexes, schedule of ECG examination.