Excess Work Pressure and Heart Disease in Women
By Lifesaver Education
According to a Danish study of over 12,000 female nurses, working under excess pressure can contribute to the risk of developing ischemic heart disease (IHD). Previous studies have demonstrated this effect in men, but few studies have addressed this phenomenon in women.
Younger women (< 51 years of age) who reported experiencing excess work pressure were 1.6 times more likely to develop IHD than their colleagues who reported lower levels of work stress. The women in the study were followed for 15 years; during that time period, 580 women were hospitalized for IHD. When other risk factors were taken into consideration, excessive work pressure was found to be significant. The age-adjusted incidence of ischemic heart disease was nearly 50% higher in women who reported that they experienced excessive pressure at work.
The study highlights the fact that stress, particularly work pressure, should be taken into account when planning primary prevention measures for women. In addition to providing counseling regarding diet and weight control, control of blood pressure, and control of hypercholesteremia (high cholesterol), primary care physicians should take work stress into account, particularly in women who have many risk factors for heart disease.
Researchers aren’t sure exactly how stress contributes to heart disease. It has been postulated that stress in itself is harmful, as it results in the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin. Stress may also increase the likelihood of using unhealthy coping mechanisms that may be harmful to heart health, such as smoking, drinking, overeating and not getting enough exercise. Stress may also contribute to elevated blood pressure.
One way to decrease work stress is to increase your knowledge base in areas in which you feel inadequately prepared. This may be especially true for health care professionals, such as nurses, who face considerable stress in their daily work life. Increased knowledge leads to an increased sense of control over your work environment, resulting in less stress in the workplace.
Are you a health professional interested in taking a course that will teach you to perform confidently in your chosen area? To learn more about Los Angeles CPR classes and other courses near you, visit Lifesaver Ed.
Source: High job pressure boosts women’s heart disease risk
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