Differences in cardiovascular risk levels between cleaning staff and hotel housekeepers.

Abstract

Background and objectiveCardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a greater incidence in the most disadvantaged social classes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the level of cardiovascular risk in cleaning workers.MethodsThis was a descriptive, cross‐sectional study in 46.632 cleaning workers (40.169 women and 6.463 men). Thirty‐one different scales related to cardiovascular risk were studied (14 assessing overweight and obesity, 5 determining the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, 5 scales of cardiovascular risk, 4 atherogenic indices, and 3 scales of metabolic syndrome, among others). The results obtained were divided between personnel who perform their cleaning tasks in the hotel and catering industry and those in other sectors.ResultsThe prevalence of obesity and arterial hypertension in cleaning workers was over 20% in both sexes. A similar amount was observed in moderate or high values on the REGICOR (Registre GIroní del COR) scale. More than 15% presented metabolic syndrome according to the NCEP ATPIII (National Cholesterol Education Program‐Adult Treatment Program III) criteria, while over 10% of women and 20% of men had a high risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease assessed with the fatty liver index.ConclusionCardiovascular risk is higher, in both sexes, in the group of cleaning workers who work in companies other than hotels.