Our scientific researchers have gone back from northern expedition

It is important to mention that there is a local problem in the Arctic: Arctic region is characterized by high incidence and rapid progression of cardiovascular diseases among residents from young age already. This is due to influence of extreme climatic and geographical factors. Our scientists have been studying their effects on cardiovascular health of Yamal residents for more than 30 years. Results of these scientific researches allow developing programs to prevent the onset and progression of arterial and heart diseases for working-age population. Now this is one of the most urgent issues at the present period of development of the Arctic.

Natalya Musikhina, MD, PhD, Head of scientific group, Head of Scientific Department of Urgent cardiology in our center, shared that purpose of scientific group’ expedition was to develop technique for early detection of patients with high risk of chronic heart failure among healthy individuals and patients with cardiovascular pathology, working on rotational shift basis in climatic conditions of the Arctic region in YaNAO. The aims included assessing psychological portrait of field employees working on rotational shift basis, studying laboratory markers of immune inflammation, conducting extended echocardiographic examinations with investigation of indicators of global longitudinal myocardial deformation, ultrasound examination of internal organs and the thyroid gland, if necessary, recording electrocardiogram, applying ABPM device, consultation with a cardiologist and, of course, collecting data for research work.

Elena Samoilova, MD, PhD, cardiologist, said that about 350 people were examined; of which 130 were indigenous population of Novy Port village. She said, that those were patients of working-age up to 65 years old, mostly men, as for interpretation of ABPM results, it would remain ahead (60 patients were examined for cause), as well as blood tests, extended results of ultrasound examinations. Of course, arterial hypertension was in the lead, and to her mind, there were a lot of patients with obesity, many smokers: so our scientists had health counseling with such patients. Those who were diagnosed with hypertension for the first time was found at stage of denying the disease, which meant they were at high risk, but after detailed consultation and examination, they already knew how to correct the disease, how not to wait for complications. Worries, doubts, fears were attempted to force out by our specialists. Planned hospitalizations with more comprehensive additional examination were invited for those who needed. It should be mentioned that there were also conscious patients: they knew about their diagnosis and they had matched therapy.

Also interesting remarks were given by Olga Guskova, medical psychologist, Laboratory Researcher of our Center: cognitive functioning was studied among rotational shift workers. Those patients were offered questionnaires aimed at assessing psycho-emotional condition. She explained that it could be unequivocally said that work regime with employment on rotational shift basis was quite stressful. In addition, there were circumstances such as 24-hour stay in the locations for some categories of workers, which could be considered as a stress factor, along with shift work directly at gas and oil production facilities. She was able to work with indigenous people and inhabitants of Novy Port.

Olga Guskova said that indigenous people were Nenets. That was a separate nationality, people living differently from us. They had their own rich culture and traditions. In that situation, the purpose was to help fill out a questionnaire aimed to collect general data (marital status, education, work activity, bad habits), assess quality of life and cognitive functioning. She mentioned that many Nenets continued to live traditional lifestyle: in summer they went to tundra, men were engaged in fishing, repairing shoes and sleds, women weaved jewelry from glass beads with national patterns.

Andrey Kugaevsky, Head of Yamal district, shared that climate was severe in Far North. And the most important thing in those conditions was to preserve the health of northerners. The best doctors from our Research Center were invited to Novy Port. And to his own opinion the team of professionals examined everyone and, according to results of medical consultations, each villager received recommendations, medical report for further treatment. He thanked our specialists and the Gazpromneft-Yamal company for concern of resident's well-being.

Based on the results of the expedition trip, special multifactorial model is planned to design, as well as a scale or calculator that will be used to evaluate the condition of cardiovascular health of population, working rotating shifts. But even nowadays, our specialists have shared their recommendations with colleagues of Yamal region medical service on management of patients with arterial hypertension, especially in period of acclimation.