From the Guidelines
Exposure to petroleum, fuels, oils, and lubricants is not directly linked to causing hypertension (HTN) based on the provided evidence, which focuses on uranium exposure and general lifestyle modifications for hypertension management. The available studies do not specifically address the relationship between petroleum, fuels, oils, and lubricants and hypertension. However, it's essential to consider that occupational exposure to various chemicals can have cardiovascular effects, including potential impacts on blood pressure.
When considering the management and prevention of hypertension, lifestyle modifications play a crucial role, as outlined in the 2020 International Society of Hypertension global hypertension practice guidelines 1. Key recommendations include:
- Salt reduction
- Adopting a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and polyunsaturated fats
- Moderation of alcohol consumption
- Weight reduction and management of abdominal obesity
- Smoking cessation
- Regular physical activity, such as moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or high-intensity interval training
- Reducing stress through mindfulness and meditation
- Limiting exposure to air pollution
While the direct link between petroleum exposure and hypertension is not established in the provided evidence, minimizing exposure to harmful substances and adhering to lifestyle modifications can contribute to overall cardiovascular health and the management of hypertension. Workers exposed to petroleum products should follow safety protocols, use personal protective equipment, and undergo regular health assessments, including blood pressure monitoring 1.
In the context of real-life clinical medicine, prioritizing caution and emphasizing lifestyle modifications and occupational safety measures is prudent, given the potential for various environmental and occupational exposures to impact cardiovascular health. However, the current evidence does not support a direct causal relationship between exposure to petroleum, fuels, oils, and lubricants and the development of hypertension.
From the Research
Exposure to Petroleum, Fuels, Oils, and Lubricants
- Exposure to petroleum, fuels, oils, and lubricants has been studied in relation to various health effects, including hypertension (HTN) 2.
- A cross-sectional study conducted in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria found that participants living in oil-polluted areas were almost 5 times as likely to have developed hypertension compared to those in unpolluted areas 2.
- The study suggests that exposure to oil/gas pollution may be associated with an increased risk of hypertension, but further investigation in longitudinal studies is needed 2.
Dermal Exposure to Lubricants and Fuels
- A study on dermal exposure from transfer of lubricants and fuels by consumers found that dermal exposure to the hands and forearms ranged from <0.25 μg/cm(2) to 96.21 μg/cm(2) when filling a vehicle fuel tank with diesel 3.
- The study also found that significantly higher dermal exposure was observed when a lower level of care was taken to complete the task 3.
- Another study reported a case of jet fuel-associated occupational contact dermatitis, highlighting the importance of prevention and treatment of contact dermatitis related to petrochemicals, such as jet fuel 4.
Hypertension Treatment and Management
- Several studies have investigated the effectiveness and safety of various antihypertensive medications, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin receptor blockers 5, 6.
- These studies found that these medications have similar efficacy in reducing blood pressure, but may have different side effect profiles 5, 6.
- However, these studies do not provide direct evidence on the relationship between exposure to petroleum, fuels, oils, and lubricants and the development of hypertension.