Scientists tracked data from nearly 6,000 Canadian employees for 18 years; the findings were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association
Work stress and job dissatisfaction can be more harmful to your health than you might think. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association on the 14th found that these factors significantly increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder that can have serious consequences.
Atrial fibrillation affects 2% to 4% of the world’s population and is known to cause irregular and rapid heartbeats. Signs include palpitations, weakness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. This condition can lead to serious conditions, such as stroke and heart failure, if not properly monitored.
Until now, workplace stress has generally been linked to heart disease. However, the research is the first to specifically examine how the combination of high work pressure and an imbalance between effort and reward affects the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.
Scientists tracked data from nearly 6,000 Canadian employees for 18 years. They found that high levels of job stress increased the risk of atrial fibrillation by 83%. Feeling an imbalance between effort and reward also increased the risk by 44%. When both factors were present, the risk rose to 97%.
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What does high pressure at work mean?
High pressure work is described as a situation in which employees face high demands and tight deadlines, but have little control over their tasks and decisions. The study also addressed effort-reward imbalance, which is evident when a worker’s effort is not proportional to pay, recognition, or job security.
Saverio Trudeloccupational and cardiovascular epidemiologist and associate professor at Laval University, Quebec, Canada, emphasizes the importance of identifying these stressors. “Recognizing and addressing psychosocial stressors at work is necessary to promote healthy work environments that benefit both individuals and the organizations in which they work.”as stated in a press release.
How can companies improve the work environment?
To mitigate the negative effects of stress at work, companies can take measures such as reducing the workload on large projects, avoiding employee overload. In addition, implementing more flexible hours contributes to a balance between personal and professional life. It is also essential to promote frequent meetings between managers and teams in order to identify and solve problems effectively.
If you experience signs of atrial fibrillation or feel that work stress is affecting your health, consult a doctor. Early intervention can prevent serious complications in the future.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
