Oxidative and cardiovascular stress among professional divers in Egypt

Abstract Objectives Professional divers are exposed to unique multifactorial hazards in their working environment and cardiovascular effects are tremendous. Cardiovascular events are aggravated by diving-induced oxidative stress and account for one fourth of diving fatalities. The aim of this study was to assess the oxidative and cardiovascular stress in a group of professional divers in Alexandria, Egypt using a panel of biomarkers. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2017 and May 2018 at the General Naval Hospital in Alexandria. We recruited 50 professional divers (n=50) and a comparison group of 50 marine seafarers sharing similar maritime environments. Participants were clinically evaluated by electrocardiography (ECG) and assessment of some trace metals (Fe + , Cu + and Zn + ) and oxidative stress biomarkers (OSBMs; MDA, TAS, GST, GSH, GR, GPx, SOD and CAT). Results : Significant ECG abnormalities including short corrected QT interval, sinus bradycardia, left ventricular hypertrophy, early repolarization, 1 st degree heart block, intraventricular conduction defect were obvious among divers. The mean levels of FBG, LDH-C, Na + , Ca + , trace metals and OSBMs were significantly higher among professional divers compared to the marine seafarers ( p < 0.5). Conclusion The risk of CVD in professional divers is alarmingly high and possibly contributed by OS. Including cardiovascular risk assessment in divers’ periodic examinations is of utmost importance.