Inoefeningsbeïnvloedbare koronêre risikofaktore by spanningsgeneigde middelvlakbestuurders van 'n platinummyngroep

Abstract

The destructive way of life of modern civilization often manifests itself in various coronary risk factors e.g. high cholesterol concentration, hypertension, smoking, physical inactivity and stress, to mention but a few. The mid-level manager is often exposed to exceptionally difficult circumstances and stressful situations resulting from his work situation, since he is often caught up between the opposing forces of top management's demands on the one hand and the demands of unions and subordinates on the other. This situation, together with a destructive lifestyle, can lead to the development of coronary heart diseases which presently indicate the highest mortality figure amongst white males in the RSA. These coronary heart diseases have serious consequences for both the person himself as well as the company with regard to productivity, health care costs and retraining. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of certain exercise influenceable coronary risk factors amongst stress inclined persons in the middle management level of a platinum mining group. The values of the following parameters were elevated in the study: Total cholesterol (61,8 % ), low-density lipoprotein (50 % ) and cholesterol/ HDL ratio (58 ,9 % ). In 64, 7 % of the cases there was a decreased high-density lipoprotein level, while in 31,3 % and 34,4 % of the cases respectively, there was increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Fifty eight comma eight per cent (58,8 %) of the individuals were smokers and 44,2 % were physicaly inactive.

From the study it is clear that real attempts will have to be made to decrease risk factors amongst mid-level managers. In this regard intervention programmes can make a big contribution in motivating and encouraging the mid-level manager to adopt a more active lifestyle and also cultivate healthier habits.