REVIEW PAPER
Impedance cardiography – Old method, new opportunities. Part II. Testing of cardiovascular response to various factors of work environment
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1
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Work Physiology and Ergonomics)
2
Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
(Faculty of Medicine)
Corresponding author
Jadwiga Siedlecka
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Work Physiology and Ergonomics, św. Teresy 8, 91-348 Łódź, Poland
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2015;28(1):34-41
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Impedance cardiography seems to be a very good, although underappreciated diagnostic method. What may distinguish it
from among the many research methods is the fact that it enables non-invasive monitoring of cardiac output, stroke volume
and systemic vascular resistance. Holter recording of the hemodynamic parameters makes it possible to study them not only
in stationary (hospital, outpatient clinic) conditions, but also during household or professional activities, e.g., during road
vehicle driving. Assessment of the trends of changes in the circulatory system of the employee at work makes it possible to
judge whether the type of work performed by the worker is well tolerated – whether it is not too hard or too stressful. This
is important, therefore, impedance cardiography can be extensively used in occupational medicine. Provision of preventive
care to workers according to current standards requires, on the one hand, the use of the latest diagnostic methods while, on
the other hand, the methods must be inexpensive, because otherwise the employer would not be able or willing to pay the
associated costs. Impedance cardiography meets those criteria; however, few data is available in literature worldwide on the
use of this method in the research on the impact of occupational work on cardiovascular responses of the employees. This
work reports the use of impedance cardiography in studies on the various aspects of work environment.