Work-related stress may increase risk of irregular heart rhythm

Workrelated stress particularly high job strain and effortreward imbalance may significantly increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation AFib an irregular heart rhythm condition a study claimed on WednesdayAFib the most common form of arrhythmia can lead to serious cardiovascular complications such as stroke and heart failureThe study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association included nearly 6000 whitecollar workers in Canada and found that those experiencing both high job strain and effortreward imbalance faced 97 per cent increased risk of AFib compared to those not exposed to these stressorsPrevious studies have linked workrelated stress with coronary heart disease but this is the first to examine its impact on AFib noted senior author Xavier Trudel from Laval University in Quebec CanadaHigh job strain characterised by demanding workloads and low control over work decisions was associated with an 83 per cent higher risk of AFibSimilarly effortreward imbalance where significant effort at work is not matched by adequate rewards such as salary or recognition was linked to a 44 per cent increased risk Workers exposed to both stressors simultaneously faced the highest riskThe study analysed 18 years of followup data identifying 186 cases of AFib among the participants Of those affected 19 per cent reported high job strain 25 per cent experienced effortreward imbalance and 10 per cent reported both stressorsTrudel emphasised the importance of recognising and addressing psychosocial stressors in the workplace to foster healthier environments that could help prevent AFibThe study suggests that workplace interventions such as reducing workloads implementing flexible work hours and encouraging communication between employees and management could be effective strategies to reduce stress and associated health risksThe studys limitations include its focus on whitecollar workers in Canada which may limit the generalisability of the findings to other types of workers or regions Nonetheless the research underscores the potential health impacts of workrelated stress and the need for preventive strategiesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever