High-Stress Jobs Increase Heart Rhythm Disorder -Study

A stressful job has been linked to a high risk of heart rhythm disorder called Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial Fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that commonly causes poor blood flow having palpitations, weakness, fatigue, feeling light-headed, dizziness, and shortness of breath as symptoms of this disorder.

This was revealed in a study led by Dr. Eleonor Fransson, an associate professor of epidemiology, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Sweden.

According to the study, the most stressful jobs are psychologically demanding but give employees little control over the work situation, thus showed that being stressed at work was associated with a 48% higher risk of atrial fibrillation, after adjustment for age, sex, and education.

“We need people to do these jobs but employers can help by making sure the staff has the resources required to complete the assigned tasks,” Fransson said.

“Bosses should schedule breaks and listen to employees’ ideas on how the work itself and the work environment can be improved.”

Atrial fibrillation causes 20-30 percent of all strokes and increases the risk of dying prematurely.

In conclusion, Fransson said: “Work stress has previously been linked with coronary heart disease.

“Work stress should be considered a modifiable risk factor for preventing atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease.”

Meanwhile, the study author advised people who usually feel stressed at work and have other symptoms of atrial fibrillation ‘’to see a doctor and speak to their employer about improving the situation at work.’’