Workplace stress and effort-reward imbalance were associated with a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation in a new study.
Employees who said they experienced high levels of job strain were found to have an 83% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. This is compared to those who were unaffected by stress.
Those who perceived an effort-reward imbalance in their roles were also 44% more likely to develop the condition. The combination of both factors was associated with a 97% increase in atrial fibrillation risk.
Xavier Trudel is an occupational and cardiovascular epidemiologist and co-author of the study. He said: ‘Our study suggests that work-related stressors may be relevant factors to include in preventive strategies.
‘Recognising and addressing psychosocial stressors at work are required to foster healthy work environments that benefit both individuals and the organisations where they work.”Recognising and addressing psychosocial stressors at work are required to foster healthy work environments that benefit both individuals and the organisations where they work.’
Which psychosocial stressors affect atrial fibrillation?
The first factor explored by the study is occupational strain. This refers to high job demands, such as heavy workload and tight deadlines, combined with low control over decision making.
Additionally, the study considered the presence of an effort-reward imbalance within participants’ roles. This occurs when employees view the rewards they receive for their work to be unequal to the effort that they invest. For example, the level of remuneration, recognition or security is perceived to be insufficient.
Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study is the first to examine the impact of these psychosocial stressors on atrial fibrillation risk.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of heart arrhythmia or irregular heart rhythm. It can cause stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.
Strategies for reducing stress
Dr Trudel stressed the need for further research into methods for reducing workplace stress. He said: The effectiveness of workplace interventions to reduce psychosocial stressors that may also reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation should be investigated in future research efforts.’
Potential strategies suggested by Dr Trudel include:
- Slowing down the implementation of a large project to prevent increased workload
- Implementing flexible work hours
- Holding meetings between managers and employees to discuss day-to-day challenges.
Researchers analysed medical database records for almost 6,000 adults in Canada with 18 years of follow up data. The authors note that all participants were white-collar workers such as managers, professional and office workers. The results therefore may not apply to workers in other roles.
Risk factors for atrial fibrillation
In April, a study found that treating gum disease could reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence after a corrective procedure. The radiofrequency catheter ablation was performed on almost 300 atrial fibrillation patients. Of these, 92 were also treated for gum disease while 191 were not.
Participants who had severe gum inflammation but were treated were 61% less likely to experience atrial fibrillation again. Those who experienced atrial fibrillation recurrence were also more likely to have more severe gum disease.
‘Gum disease can be modified by dental intervention,’ said lead study author Shunsuke Miyauchi. ‘Proper management of gum disease appears to improve the prognosis of atrial fibrillation, and many people around the world could benefit from it.’
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