Cumulative LDIR exposure elevates hypertension risk

Constant exposure to occupational low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) appears to contribute to hypertension and elevated blood pressure among medical radiologists, with a clear dose-response relationship, suggests a study.

A total of 5,420 medical radiologists in Guangdong Province, China, participated in this cross-sectional study, in which individual cumulative effective doses (CED) were reconstructed based on historical records (1980‒2022).

The authors assessed BP using standardized physical measurements rather than self-reporting. Hypertension was defined using the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines (≥130/80 mm Hg). Associations were explored via multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses, with adjustments for demographic and lifestyle confounders.

Overall, hypertension prevalence stood at 53.4 percent. After adjusting for confounders, CED positively correlated with hypertension risk. The adjusted odds ratios for hypertension were 1.35 (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.06‒1.70) for 5.00‒9.99 mSv and 1.73 (95 percent CI, 1.27‒2.37) for at least 10.00 mSv relative to the reference group.

In linear regression analysis, CED also showed a positive association with both systolic and diastolic BP levels. Stratified analysis noted a gender-specific vulnerability, with a significant risk increase of at least 5.00 mSv for men and at least 10.00 mSv for women.

“The findings suggest gender-specific thresholds for vascular damage and advocate for enhanced cardiovascular surveillance in this high-risk population using stricter diagnostic criteria,” the authors said.