Workplace stress dramatically increase risk of heart attacks

Tuesday, 5 August 2003 12:00 AM

A new study has found that workplace stress increases employees' risk of dying from a stroke or a heart attack.

The Modern Workers Health Check study published in the TUC's Hazards magazine found that long-term stress is as bad for the heart as ageing 30 years or putting on 30lbs and has become the number one workplace hazard.

Workers who suffer from it for at least 50% of their working lives have a 50% greater chance of having a heart attack and a 25% chance having a stroke.

One of the main reasons for the dramatic increase in risk is because people react to stress by smoking, drinking and 'slobbing out'. Working for unreasonable and unfair bosses can also directly lead to dangerously high blood pressure.

Blue-collar workers are more prone to these stress related conditions than executives, with excessive overtime, night shifts, and work with high psychological pressures and low rewards being particularly harmful.

Commenting on the results of the study Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, explained: 'Stress at work is cutting workers' lives short. This enormous strain on individuals and society will only end when we tackle the causes of stress such as overwork and the long-hours culture The UK needs a workforce that works well and stays well.'

The publication of this study comes as an NHS hospital has been threatened with legal action by the Health and Safety Executive for failing to protect its doctors and nurses from stress.

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