Echocardiographic assessment of myocardial function in workers occupationally exposed to lead without clinically evident heart disease

•Aim of the study: evaluate echocardiographic changes in workers exposed to Pb.•Negative linear correlation between ZnPP and E′ was observed.•Higher ZnPP concentration is independent risk factors of lowering E′ mean value.•Occupational exposure to Pb is associated with discreet echocardiographic changes.

PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate echocardiographic changes in workers occupationally exposed to low doses of lead.MethodsWe enrolled 63 men occupationally exposed to lead into the study (group I). Unexposed group consisted of 49 healthy men (group II). Blood lead concentration (Pb-B) and blood zinc protoporphyrin concentration (ZnPP) were determined. Transthoracic echocardiographic examination was performed.ResultsIn the studied groups, selected on the criterion of occupational exposure to lead, comparative analysis of echocardiographic parameters indicated statistically significant differences. A negative linear correlations between ZnPP and E′ was observed in group I. It was proved that a higher concentration of ZnPP is independent risk factor of lowering the E′ mean value in group I.ConclusionsOccupational exposure to low doses of lead is associated with the occurrence of discreet morphological and functional heart changes that in the future may predispose to disclosed pathology of heart.