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Can Long Working Hours Lead to Heart Disease or Stroke?
Burning the candle at both ends to please your boss may come at the expense of your health. According to the World Health Organization, in 2016, 745,000 people died from stroke and ischemic heart disease, marking a 29% increase since 2000.
Shift to Remote Work and Extended Hours
The study highlights concerns amidst the shift to remote work due to the pandemic, where time management has become crucial. Teleworking blurs the boundaries between home and office, often leading to longer work hours as companies cut costs and reduce activities.
Health Risks Associated with Long Working Hours
Research shows a significant health risk associated with extended work hours. Individuals aged 60 to 79 who worked 55 hours or more per week faced heightened risks of stroke and heart disease. Even moderate overtime, from 41 to 48 hours per week, increased stroke risk by 10%, while 49 to 54 hours per week raised it by 27%.
How Long Working Hours Lead to Strokes
Extended work hours can lead to strokes through several mechanisms:
- Increased Stress: Prolonged periods of stress from overwork can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular strain.
- Unhealthy Habits: Long hours often lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as poor diet choices, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep, all of which are risk factors for stroke.
- Physical Inactivity: Sedentary behavior due to extended office hours can reduce circulation and increase the likelihood of blood clot formation, a common cause of strokes.
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Book an AppointmentOccupational Disease Burden
Long working hours now represent a significant occupational disease burden, contributing to approximately one-third of work-related health issues. This shifts focus to psychosocial occupational risks, underscoring the importance of balancing work demands with employee wellbeing.
conclusion
Governments, employers, and employees must collaborate to establish reasonable working hour limits to safeguard against these health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, working long hours without breaks can increase stress and raise the risk of heart disease.
Generally, working more than 8-9 hours a day regularly is considered long hours.
Stress can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Jobs that involve a lot of stress, long periods of sitting, or heavy physical labor without breaks can increase the risk.
Employers can encourage breaks, provide healthy snacks, offer stress management programs, and promote work-life balance.
Shorter, more balanced hours with breaks are better for heart health because they reduce stress and allow time for relaxation.
Rest, drink water, and seek medical advice if symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath occur.
Yes, stress from long hours of study or intense activities can affect heart health. It’s important for young people to balance study with breaks and exercise.
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