Excessive Overtime Work Is Bad For Your Heart

Excessive Overtime Work Is Bad for Your Heart
Do you regularly work overtime? If so, you might be at increased risk for heart attack or angina. A new 11-year study of more than 6,000 British men and women found that regularly working 10- or 11-hour days increases the risk of heart disease by 60 percent. This association held even after taking into account 21 known risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, being overweight, and having high cholesterol.
While the study was conducted on British workers, the study authors pointed out that the United States is one of the countries that is well above average when it comes to overtime hours. They also emphasized that overtime work has increased in recent years.
The study did not explain why working long hours increased the risk, but researchers theorized that the lifestyles or psychology of people working long hours could be contributing factors. The study did find that overtime workers tended to exhibit type A behavior patterns, a willingness to work while sick, higher levels of depression, and an inability to diffuse work-related stress. However, they were unable to say whether these problems were caused by excessive overtime work or whether these behaviors contributed to the willingness to work overtime.
One thing researchers could say for certain is this: having a say about whether you work extra hours is easier on your body than being told you have to. In the study, people who chose to work overtime were less likely to experience angina.
Whether you are a company owner or an employee, it’s important to find balance in your life. For a healthier heart, limit overtime. Stay home when you are sick. Rest when you are tired. And instead of burning the candle at both ends, make time to exercise regularly and to relax daily.
Sources:
Virtanen M, et al. Overtime work and incident coronary heart disease: the Whitehall II prospective cohort study. European Heart Journal. 2010; DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehq124.
McInnes G. Overtime is bad for the heart. European Heart Journal. 2010; DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehq116.
Original Source: http://www.wellsource.com/articles-mhc/Excessive-Overtime-Work-Is-Bad-for-Your-Heart.html