Police officers are known for fieldwork shifts, psychological stress, and prolonged physical activity that are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The long working hour disrupts the circadian rhythm, increasing cortisol. Chronic increases in the hormone cortisol cause hypertension, impaired vascular remodeling, increased TG, and insulin resistance which are risk factors for CVD. In addition, psychological stress leads to oxidative stress which causes vascular endothelial damage. Furthermore, stress also increases sympathetic nerves, releasing catecholamine hormones, increasing blood pressure and heart rate, and inflammatory cytokine response that causes CVD. The study aims to determine the differences in CVD risks factor and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) profiles as a predictor of cardiac events between police officers and civilians in a developing country as an evaluation and strategic preventive measure for CVD.
Approximately, 978 participants were enrolled as subjects in this cross-sectional study. Data used were obtained during medical check-ups using complete physical and laboratory examinations including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and AIP between 2019 and 2020 at Bhayangkara State Police Hospital Surabaya.
The 978 participants consist of 489 police and 489 civilians. he participants were predominantly male with a mean age of 45.95 ± 7.42. Nearly half of the participants appear in the pre-hypertension group. More than 70% of the participants were overweight and obese with a mean BMI of 26.34 ± 3.86. High total cholesterol, high LDL, low HDL, and a high-risk score of AIP are primarily found. In contrast, the majority of the participants have normal fasting blood glucose and normal TG. Police tend to have higher results in those significant factors compared to civilian groups. However, there is no significant difference in BMI and HDL-C between police and civilian groups.
This study shows significant differences in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, TG, fasting blood glucose, and AIP between police and civilian groups, where the latter shows a higher result. The study has a relatively small sample size. The smoking habits, stress factors, and complete history of illness of subjects were not recorded. Furthermore, tests such as electrocardiogram, echocardiography, or CT-A calcium score may provide further valuable information.
CVD risk was found in both groups. Nevertheless, police officers have higher AIP and overall CVD risk compared to civilians, creating a necessity for aggressive CVD prevention strategies within the population. Early intervention is necessary for CVD prevention.
Authors: Meity Ardiana,Primasitha Maharany Harsoyo, Hanestya Oky Hermawan, Inna Maya Sufiyah, Dwika Rasyid Firmanda, Saskia Ratna Desita, Annisya Dinda Paramitha, Arisvia Sukma Hariftyani, Farah Aisha Shabrina, Fita Triastuti
