Cardiovascular diseases in healthcare workers: risk factors and preventive strategies in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among health workers, focusing on occupational risk factors and the necessary preventive strategies. Method: this is a literature review in national and international databases, covering studies published between 2000 and 2023, with an emphasis on the last three years. Results: the results point to a high prevalence of arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart failure among these professionals, attributed to factors such as chronic occupational stress, excessive working hours, irregular shifts, and exposure to adverse hospital environments. Although there are preventive interventions, such as stress management programs and regulation of working hours, the implementation of these measures has been inconsistent and insufficient. Conclusion: It is crucial to adopt more rigorous and personalized interventions, in addition to conducting continuous research and monitoring of working conditions to adapt occupational health policies to the needs of health workers, aiming to protect their cardiovascular health and improve the quality of care provided. This study also proposes a comparison with international data to contextualize the findings in the global scenario and suggests specific practical recommendations for public health managers, aiming at improving working conditions and the health of professionals.