BHF - Work stress linked to heart disease risk

18th September 2012

People who have highly demanding jobs and little freedom to make decisions are 23% more likely to have a heart attack compared with those without work stress, a study has suggested.

Researchers analysed job strain in employees without coronary heart disease. Participants completed questionnaires at the start of the studies to assess job demands, excessive workload, the level of time-pressure demands, and freedom to make decisions.

Eating a balanced diet, taking regular exercise and quitting smoking will more than offset any risk associated with your job

BHF's Medical Director, Professor Peter Weissberg, said: "We know that being under stress at work, and being unable to change the situation, could increase your risk of developing heart disease.

"This large study confirms this, but also shows that the negative effect of workplace strain is much smaller than, for example, the damage caused by smoking or lack of exercise.

"Though stresses at work may be unavoidable, how you deal with these pressures is important, and lighting up a cigarette is bad news for your heart. Eating a balanced diet, taking regular exercise and quitting smoking will more than offset any risk associated with your job."

This study was published in The Lancet.

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