[Preventive role of the occupational physician faced with cardiovascular risk factors].

The preventive role of the occupational practitioner and occupational medicine no longer has to be demonstrated. As far as cardiovascular risk factors are concerned, on the one hand there are a certain number of cardiovascular diseases which have their origin in certain occupational fields (this concerns 10 pictures of occupational diseases which are entitled to compensation) and, on the other hand, occupational medicine has an important role to play when faced with the usual cardiovascular risks such as sedentary life style, obesity or excess weight, alcohol, tobacco, diabetes, fatigue and stress. Apart from giving advice to employees (health education) and instantly replying to the risk by individual or collective prevention and by medical and technical prevention, there is epidemiological observation and the investigation of quantitative or quantifiable "indicators". All these roles imply interdisciplinary dialogue and community participation so as to be able to counteract environmental hazards, rehabilitate vulnerable subjects, and develop health.