Work stress ‘increases heart attack risk’

People with high amounts of work stress are significantly more likely to experience a heart attack compared to those who are free of it, new research has revealed. The study, published in The Lancet and quoted by Spire Healthcare, found that employees with highly demanding jobs and little freedom to make decisions are 23 per cent more likely to have a heart attack. Participants filled in questionnaires covering the job demands, excessive workload, time-pressure demands and freedom to make decisions of their role. Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, explained: “We know that being under stress at work, and being unable to change the situation, could increase your risk of developing heart disease. “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.”