Pressure At Work Can Increase Risk Of Heart  Problems for Women

Previously cardiovascular disease and stress in the workplace has been centred around men's health.  However, in a study examining the health of women,  researchers found that women who reported high job strain, were forty percent more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol and excess body weight.

Job strain, a form of psychological stress, is defined as having a demanding job, with little to no decision-making authority or opportunities to use one’s creative or individual skills.  Job insecurity, fear of loosing ones job, was also a factor leading to stress in the workplace.

Researchers from the Women's Health Study, analyzed job strain in 17,415 healthy women over a 10 year period.  The women were primarily Caucasian, with an average age of 57 and provided relevant information about heart disease, job strain and job insecurity.  The  findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2010. 

   

The study discovered that the 40 percent higher risks for women who reported high job strain included heart attacks, ischemic strokes, coronary artery bypass surgery or balloon angioplasty and death. The increased risk of heart attack was about 88 percent, while the risk of bypass surgery or invasive procedure was about 43 percent.

Natalie Slopen, Sc.D., lead researcher and a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard University Center on the Developing Child in Boston, noted that; “Women in jobs characterized by high demands and low control, as well as jobs with high demands but a high sense of control are at higher risk for heart disease long term,” 

As such, from a public health perspective, it is vital for employers to monitor perceived employee job strain and initiate programs to alleviate and manage stress, in order prevent ill health in the workplace. 

The RSPH Training Solutions offers a course on Mental Health First Aid in the workplace. The course focuses on the personal impact of poor mental health, and on the importance of appreciating good mental health, for both ourselves and others.  For further information on this, please click here or contact Nicolette Smith nsmith@rsph.org.uk