Long-term cardiovascular symptoms and signs in mustard gas victims

Abstract

Mustard gas was the most extensively used chemical agent in the Iraq-Iran war (1980–1988). It affects many important organs and systems; however, its cardiovascular effects are still unclear. In a historical cohort study, we evaluated the symptoms and signs of mustard gas exposed victims (397 cases) and compared the findings with the control group (132 persons). Typical chest pain was more frequent in the exposed group (11% versus 0%, P = 0.450). In addition, exertional dyspnea was found in 50% of the exposed group versus 30% in the control group (P = 0.162). Chest pain and dyspnea were more frequent in the exposed group and cardiac signs were the same in the two groups. Further studies must be planned for evaluating ischemic and valvular heart diseases, myopathy and other cardiovascular problems in these victims.

Keywords::

• Mustard gas
• chemical victim
• Iraq-Iran war
• cardiovascular
• Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study

Acknowledgments

This study was performed by Immunoregulation Research Centre and Shahed University, and Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Centre (JMERC) and supported by the Iranian Foundation of Martyr and Veterans Affairs and Ministry of Health and Medical Education. We would like to thank all the participants who took part in this study very kindly. We also thank Dr. Mohsin Reza Heidary for his critical reading of this manuscript and helpful comments.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.