November 29, 2007 – Stress at work represents a significant risk for people who have already suffered from cardiovascular disorders, according to the results of a study conducted by researchers from the Department of Medicine at Laval University.
One in four participants experienced a new heart problem related to stress at work. Recurrences (206, including 124 heart attacks) would be more frequent after two years. This would be the period of time it takes for a person exposed to stress to start showing negative signs – such as other heart disease – the researchers believe.
The study, which ran from February 1996 to June 2005, was conducted among 972 participants, aged 35 to 59, all returning to work after a first heart attack. The results of the study were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
All workers, regardless of their field or position, are potentially subject to stress. However, it seems that the most risky combination is a strong psychological demand (demanding intellectual work, pressure, extensive hours) and a low decision-making latitude (lack of autonomy, lack of creativity), underline the researchers.
Giving an employee a little leeway can have a positive effect on their heart health in addition to fostering a sense of personal commitment to their work, suggest the study authors.
Claudia Morissette – HealthPassport.net
According to theScience Press Agency.
1. Aboa-Eboulé C, et al, Job Strain and Risk of Acute Recurrent Coronary Heart Disease Events.JAMA, October 10, 2007.
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