Previous studies have reported a link between heart disease and job stress. However, studies about the effect of job stress on blood pressure have had conflicting results. Now research reports that job stress with low levels of social support at work can increase blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) affects millions of American adults, with disproportionately higher rates among African Americans, men, obese adults, and the elderly. High blood pressure is classified as systolic blood pressure of 140 or higher and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90 or higher. High blood pressure is known to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The study, published in The American Journal of Public Health, investigated whether job stress increases blood pressure. Researchers at Laval University in Quebec City, Quebec, analyzed the data of 8,395 white-collar workers, from 1991 to 1993. In a follow-up 7.5 years later, 84% of the participants were reassessed for exposure to job stress.
The researchers found that men with high job stress had higher blood pressure than men with less stressful work. This effect was smaller among women. However, men and women with high job stress and low levels of social support at the office had higher blood pressure than other workers.
"Among these white-collar workers, exposure to cumulative job strain had a modest but significant effect on systolic blood pressure among men," the study authors write. "The risk was of comparable magnitude to that observed for age and sedentary behavior. Men and women with low levels of social support at work appeared to be at higher risk for increases in blood pressure."
The study authors suggest that decreasing job stress and getting more office support could help reduce workers' blood pressure.
REFERENCES:
1. Guimont C et al. Effects of job strain on blood pressure: a prospective study of male and female white-collar workers. Am J Public Health 2006 Aug;96(8):1436-43. Epub 2006 Jun 29.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on September 21, 2006 02:14 PM
