The researchers followed 17,415 healthy women in the Women's Health Study, most of whom were health professionals, for more than 10 years. To evaluate their job stress, the women were asked questions such as "My job requires working very hard" and "I am free from competing demands that others make".
Here's what the researchers found:
1. High job strain is linked to 40% higher risk for cardiovascular disease
Job strain, a form of psychological stress, is defined as having a demanding job that provides limited opportunity for decision making or to use one's creative or individual skills. Women who reported the highest job strain were found to have a 40 percent greater overall risk of heart problems, including heart attacks, strokes or clogged arteries needing surgery, compared to women with less demanding jobs and more control.2. High job strain is linked to 88% increased risk of heart attack
Women with high job strain have an 88% raised risk of a heart attack compared with those in less demanding posts.3. Fear of losing jobs raises risk factors for cardiovascular disease
Job insecurity -- fear of losing one's job -- was associated with higher blood pressure, cholesterol and body weight, the researchers also found.Stress can trigger the release of "fight or flight" hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which at persistently high levels can trigger inflammation and damage the cardiovascular system, experts believe.
Been a tad too stressed up lately? Try these tips to ease things down:
- Don't bring work home. Instead dedicate your after-hours to winding down -- and refrain from thinking about work.
- Say no to work overload tactfully. Is your boss giving you way too much tasks? "With great tact and professionalism, say something along the lines of, 'I'm really overcommitted right now, and if I take that on, I can't do it justice.'" advises Jeff Davidson, author of 10 Minute Guide: Stress Management.
- Sweat it out. It's the last thing many people feel like doing at the end of a stressful day, but "exercise relieves tension and stress and makes us feel better," says Melanie King, author of Surviving Stress At Work, so "pick up your tennis racket, reach for your dancing shoes or get your bicycle out of the shed!"
- Maintain a social life. Hang out with your friends and family. Social support from your loved ones help you feel more connected to people and less alone.
- Find ways to de-stress. It can be a spa massage, meditation or a soothing soak in the bathtub, whatever relaxation technique that works for you.
