Changes in Blood Pressure and ECG Indices in Males Living Around Ravar, Feyz - Abad Lead Mine

Lead toxicity remains a significant public health problem, since blood levels as low as 10 μg/ml have been shown to cause significant impairment of cardiovascular, cognitive and behavioral functions in human. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of lead pollution on cardiovascular function in people living around a lead mine in Ravar. First the lead concentration in water and plant samples in adiacent areas was measured. Thirty men aged 26±5yr who were living in contaminated areas were selected by a questionnaire (case group), and their blood samples were collected. EKG was performed and records were compared with those of the unexposed control individuals. The results showed a high concentration of lead in water, plants and blood samples. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as the heart rate were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). This study indicates that lead compounds in Feyz-Abad area can enter the biological cycle and human body. The high lead levels in exposed subjects can affect the cardiovascular system and alter BP and CR.