Objective To conduct a systematic review on the Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in the workers exposed to high temperatures by means of meta-analysis.Methods The retrospective cohort studies on the relationship between high temperature and ECG abnormalities published from 1990 to May 2009 were searched in CNKI, VIP, WanFang database and CBM database. The literatures meeting the inclusive criteria were selected, the quality was assessed, the data were extracted, and the meta-analyses were conducted with RevMan 4.2.2 software. Results A total of 20 studies were included. The results of meta-analyses showed: the ECG abnormality rate of the high-temperature group was obviously superior to that of the control group with significant difference (OR=2.76, 95%CI 2.37 to 3.20, Plt;0.000 01). The high-temperature severely affected left ventricular hypertrophy (OR=3.49, 95%CI 2.83 to 4.31, Plt;0.000 01), sinus bradycardia (OR=2.83, 95%CI 2.33 to 3.43, Plt;0.000 01), and changes in ST-T segment (OR=2.63, 95%CI 1.48 to 4.68, P=0.000 10), which indicated that the abnormal changes of ECG, such as left ventricular hypertrophy, sinus tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, and changes in ST-T segment could be the sensitive indexes to monitor cardiovascular disease of workers exposed to high-temperature. Conclusion The incidence of ECG abnormalities caused by high-temperature operation is obviously superior to that of the control group, so it is required to strengthen the health monitoring and labor protection for the workers exposed to high temperature.
ObjectiveTo quantify the global burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) attributable to high temperature, low temperature, and non-optimal temperatures from 1990 to 2021 using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data. MethodsWe analyzed global, regional, and national COPD mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to high, low, and non-optimal temperatures. Joinpoint regression, age-period-cohort modeling, and Bayesian prediction models were employed. ResultsGlobally, age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and DALY rates for COPD attributable to low temperature and non-optimal temperatures declined. However, the burden from high temperature increased. Low temperature consistently exerted a greater burden than high temperature across all metrics. Significant geographical disparities emerged: high-temperature mortality was highest in South Asia; low-temperature burden was most severe in East Asia; and high-income North America exhibited accelerated high-temperature mortality growth. The highest low-temperature burden occurred in middle-SDI regions, while high-temperature impacts predominated in low-middle-SDI regions. Age patterns showed rising high-temperature burden in the 15-39 age group and increasing low-temperature burden among adults aged ≥80 years. Bayesian projections revealed divergent gender trajectories: a continuing decline in low-temperature burden for males versus a decelerated decline for females (2020-2030). ConclusionLow temperature exposure remains the primary risk factor for COPD within non-optimal temperatures globally, although high-temperature impacts are increasing. Significant regional variations necessitate targeted interventions for three key populations: older adults vulnerable to cold, working-age adults with occupational heat exposure, and older women requiring rehabilitative support.