[Recovery of hemoglobin level and blood pressure in workers unfit for duties at high altitude following relocation]

Objective: To determine the hemoglobin level and blood pressure and the factors that influence their recovery in relocated workers who were unfit for duties at high altitude. Methods: The physical examination data of 693 relocated workers who previously worked at high altitude were dynamically monitored from January 2006 to June 2015 in order to examine the recovery of hemoglobin level and blood pressure. Results: The rate of hemoglobin recovery was 81.37% among the 161 relocated workers with abnormal hemoglobin levels, and the rate of blood pressure recovery was 69.51% among the 164 relocated workers with abnormal blood pressure. The rates of hemoglobin and blood pressure recovery were decreased in individuals aged 40 years and older. The peak recovery time of hemoglobin was 11-15 months following relocation, and that of blood pressure was 5-7 months and 11-13 months following relocation. The half-year blood pressure recovery rate and 2-year hemoglobin recovery rate following relocation were significantly higher in workers who worked at 2500-3000 m altitude than in those at ≥3000 m (P<0.05) . Total cholesterol and educational level were factors that influence the half-year blood pressure recovery in relocated workers (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The rate of hemoglobin and blood pressure recovery are high among relocated workers who previously worked at high altitude. Factors that influence blood pressure, such as total cholesterol, should be closely monitored so that high-altitude workers with abnormal blood pressure and hemoglobin level can be relocated as early as possible.