Long work hours tied to higher risk of CVD

Editor's Note

Working 46 hours per week or more increases the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), this study finds.

Beginning at 46 hours, increasing work hours were progressively associated with increased risk of CVD (ie, angina, coronary disease, heart failure, heart attack, high blood pressure, or stroke).

Compared to those who averaged 45 hours per week for 10 years or longer, overall CVD risk increased by 16% for those who worked 55 hours per week and 35% for those who worked 60 hours per week.

Previous research has suggested increased CVD risk with longer working hours, but this study is the first to show a “dose-response” effect, the researchers note.

Working long hours-particularly 46 hours per week or more-may increase the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events such as heart attack, reports a study in the March Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, official publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).