Stressed Out Male Workers at Risk for Heart Disease, Study Finds
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that male workers who feel under-appreciated and stressed out may be at a higher risk for developing heart disease. This study, conducted by Canadian researchers over nearly two decades, focused on stress and “effort-reward imbalance” (ERI) and their effects on coronary collapse.
The findings revealed that men who experienced stress or ERI had a staggering 49% higher risk of heart disease compared to those who did not report these stresses. However, men who felt both stress and ERI together were found to be at twice the risk for heart disease.
The researchers compared the harmful effects of stress and ERI on a man’s health to that of obesity. Both conditions have a detrimental impact on heart health and can decrease blood flow to the heart, potentially leading to a heart attack.
Lead study author Mathilde Lavigne-Robichaud explained that job strain refers to work environments with high demands and low control, while ERI is when employees feel their efforts are not adequately rewarded. These factors contribute to increased stress levels and ultimately, an increased risk of heart disease.
The study followed 6,465 white-collar workers, both men and women, for 18 years. Validated questionnaires were used to measure stress and ERI. Interestingly, while the study found a link between heart health and these stressors in men, it did not find the same link in women.
The researchers suggested that interventions aimed at reducing work-related stress could be particularly effective for men and have positive implications for women’s health too. Creating healthier work environments by addressing stressful conditions proactively is crucial for the well-being of both employees and employers.
It is important to note that the study has limitations, as it focused solely on the Canadian working population. Further investigation is needed to understand the complex interplay of stressors and women’s heart health.
In related news, the study’s release coincided with Novo Nordisk’s announcement about the cardiovascular benefits of its obesity drug, Wegovy. Patients taking the drug experienced a 20% lower incidence of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease compared to those on a placebo. This highlights the growing importance of addressing heart disease and the various factors that contribute to its development.
Overall, this study sheds light on the significant risk that stressed-out male workers face in developing heart disease. It emphasizes the necessity of creating healthier work environments by proactively addressing stressful conditions, benefitting both employees and employers alike.
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