May 20, 2010 – Working more than 10 hours a day – frequently and over a long period of time – increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 60%, according to a study1 British.
The 6,014 participants in this study – who were followed for 11 years – were public service employees aged 39 to 61.
According to the results, workers who do 3 to 4 hours of overtime daily have a 60% higher risk of suffering from a heart disorder than those who do not, regardless of their lifestyle. Those who work 1 to 2 hours more per day are not, however, at greater risk than others.
The study authors also noted a very low absenteeism rate, even when ill, among workers who work overtime. The latter, and more particularly men, are less likely to consult a doctor.
The participants answered 8 questionnaires and underwent medical examinations. In addition to the hours worked and the tasks related to their job, the questions asked about their eating habits, their lifestyle (smoking, physical activity, etc.) and their mental health.
The researchers stress the importance of conducting a study that would include workers in the private sector.
Nathalie Vigneault – PasseportSanté.net
1. Virtanen M, Ferrie JE et al. Overtime work and incident coronary heart disease: the Whitehall II prospective cohort study, Eur Heart J. 2010 May 11.
