[General physical fitness of metallurgy workers exposed to thermal load].

General physical fitness of 475 metallurgists, 203 subjects working under heat stress and 272 subjects working under normal environment conditions, has been determined. Evaluation of physical fitness was based on the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), the Harvard "Step test" and some laboratory examinations. Physical fitness was below average, poor and very poor in both groups without statistically significant differences between the exposed and control groups. A statistically significant correlation has been found between VO2max and Harvard "Step test". Arterial hypertension greater than or equal to 21,3/12,7 kPa has been found in 27% of subjects of the exposed group and in 23% of the control group. Cholesterol level greater than or equal to 6,7 nmol/l has been found in 14,8% of the exposed and in 17,6% of the control group. A statistically significant negative correlation between the cholesterol concentration and the score of the Harvard "Step test" of both groups has been found, and also between VO2max of the exposed group only. Above 50% of subjects exhibited various abnormalities in electrocardiogram mainly of type IV, VII, IX, according to the Minnesota Code. General physical fitness of metallurgists has been considerably lower as compared to the literature data. It is concluded that periodic examinations of general physical fitness should be performed for evaluation of the health condition. Industrial physicians should utilize the results of those examinations for prevention.