Work stress linked to heart disease

January 20, 2006

A British study of 1,000 civil servants found workplace stress is a major factor in the development of heart disease and diabetes.

"Employees with chronic work stress have more than double the odds of the syndrome than those without work stress, after other risk factors are taken into account," said lead researcher Tarani Chandola, of the University College in London.

The study found that the more stress workers suffered, the more likely they were to suffer metabolic syndrome symptoms, which involves obesity and high blood pressure.

However, many of the features of the metabolic syndrome can be reversed or improved by lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, getting more exercise and eating healthy, the BBC reported Friday.

One possible explanation for the result may be that prolonged exposure to work stress affects the nervous system or that chronic stress may reduce biological resilience, thus disturbing the body's physiological balance.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International


print this article email this article download pdf blog this article bookmark this article     Stumble it Digg this share on Facebook retweet share on Reddit add to delicious
Rate this story - 4 /5 (5 votes)


January 20, 2006 all stories

Comments: 0

4 /5 (5 votes)
  • Stumble this up

  • Digg this

  • share this

  • hide
  • Related Stories



Other News

Political views may skew perception of skin tone, new study finds

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

created 2 hours ago | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 2

(PhysOrg.com) -- Political affinity could influence how some people view the skin tone of biracial political candidates, according to a new study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, New York University ...


In College Football, Home Field Advantage Often Overestimated

Other Sciences / Mathematics

created 2 hours ago | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

This year, many of college football's biggest rivalry games take place over Thanksgiving weekend. A win earns bragging rights for the year. Visiting teams are often thought to be at a considerable disadvantage, especially ...


Highest jobless rate in three decades causes drop in consumer confidence

Other Sciences / Economics

created 1hour ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Florida's consumer confidence fell three points to 69 in November amid continued concerns over the state?s high unemployment rate, according to a new University of Florida survey.


Thanksgiving Combines Myths, Traditions and Truths, CU Professor Says

Thanksgiving Combines Myths, Traditions and Truths, CU Professor Says

Other Sciences / Other

created 4 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Over the centuries Thanksgiving in America has meant many things to many people. What we consider the traditional Thanksgiving holiday today has been around only a few decades, according ...


Do kids benefit from homework?

Do kids benefit from homework?

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

created 23 hours ago | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 3

(PhysOrg.com) -- Homework is as old as school itself. Yet the practice is controversial as people debate the benefits or consider the shortcomings and hassles. Research into the topic is often contradictory ...