Association between pesticide exposure and ischemic heart disease among adults who took part in the Rafsanjan cohort study

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is recognized as a major cause of death worldwide. Sustained exposure to pesticides is a significant factor that can increase morbidity and mortality rates due to CVD. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effects of pesticide exposure on CVD among adult participants in the Rafsanjan cohort study (RCS). Methods: Data were analyzed from 9,990 adult participants of RCS as a part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IRAN. Data on personal habits, lifestyle, demographic characteristics, comorbidity history, physical activity, and pesticide exposure were collected via face-to-face questionnaires. The prevalence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) was assessed based on the medical history questionnaire of the participants. IHD was defined as a cardiac condition (either IHD or heart failure) diagnosed by a physician. Results: The mean age of participants with IHD was significantly higher than that of healthy participants (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the prevalence of IHD was higher in men compared to women (P = 0.003). In addition, the duration of pesticide exposure at home in men was significantly associated with IHD (P = 0.047). None of the other variables demonstrated a significant correlation with the prevalence of IHD. Conclusion: Pesticide exposure may increase the risk of IHD, as indicated by the results of the studied population. Implementing continuous, well-structured educational programs for individuals professionally exposed to pesticides is important. These programs should focus on personal protection and the safe use of pesticides to prevent or decrease the risk of CVDs. Relevance for patients: It is important for farmers, agricultural workers, and those living near agricultural areas to understand the risks that pesticides pose to cardiovascular health.