Cardiovascular and occupational health assessment in 1000 male paddy cultivators in the Malwa region of Punjab: A biochemical and physiological investigation

Background: Paddy cultivation is a labor-intensive occupation that exposes workers to significant physiological and cardiovascular stress. Prolonged physical exertion, environmental heat, and inadequate nutrition contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To assess the cardiovascular, biochemical, and oxidative stress markers among 1000 male paddy cultivators in the Malwa region of Punjab and evaluate the impact of occupational workload on cardiovascular health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 male paddy cultivators aged 24.9 ± 1.01 years. Participants were categorized into two groups based on workload intensity: (1) MRG-A (Higher Workload Group) and (2) MRG-B (Lower Workload Group). Data collection included anthropometric measurements, cardiovascular parameters, lipid profiles, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), and cardiac biomarkers (B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP], troponin i, and creatine kinase-MB). Biochemical assessments were performed using automated analyzers and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits following the standard protocols. Results: The study found significant variations in cardiovascular and biochemical markers between the workload groups. Higher workload cultivators (MRG-A) exhibited elevated heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and increased oxidative stress markers. Dyslipidemia was observed, with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (108.3 ± 18.9 mg/dL) and triglycerides (142.7 ± 35.2 mg/dL) exceeding optimal levels. Inflammatory markers, including CRP (3.8 ± 1.2 mg/L) and TNF-α (2.9 ± 1.4 pg/mL), were elevated, indicating chronic inflammation. Oxidative stress markers such as MDA (2.5 ± 0.6 µmol/L) were increased, whereas antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD and GPx) were lower in high-workload cultivators. Cardiac biomarkers remained within the normal limits, although BNP levels (38.2 ± 9.7 pg/mL) indicated potential early stage cardiac stress. Conclusion: Paddy cultivators in the Malwa region of Punjab experience significant cardiovascular strain due to occupational workload, with increased inflammatory and oxidative stress markers suggesting early metabolic dysfunction. Regular health monitoring, workload management, and nutritional interventions are essential to mitigate the long-term cardiovascular risks and improve the well-being of agricultural workers.