Too much work stress can lead to irregular heartbeat

QUEBEC CITY, Quebec — Is your job stressing you out? Not only can it ruin your mood, it can also put your heart health at risk. A new study suggests that stressful work environments may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder.

Researchers in Canada followed nearly 6,000 office workers for 18 years to examine the link between work stress and atrial fibrillation (also called atrial fibrillation). They found that workers who experience high workloads or an imbalance between effort and reward at work are significantly more likely to develop atrial fibrillation over time.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of abnormal heart rhythm, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers. While atrial fibrillation itself is not usually life-threatening, if left untreated it can lead to serious complications such as stroke and heart failure.

The study, published in Journal of the American Heart Associationbuilds on previous research linking occupational stress to other cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, but this is one of the first long-term studies to specifically examine the risk of atrial fibrillation.

“Our study suggests that work-related stressors may be relevant factors to include in prevention strategies,” says lead author Dr. Xavier Trudel of Laval University in a statement. “Identifying and addressing psychosocial stressors in the workplace is necessary to promote a healthy work environment that benefits both individuals and the organizations in which they work.”

The researchers focused on two established models of workplace stress. The first model, known as “job strain,” occurs when workers face high psychological demands but have little control or decision-making power in their role. The second model, called “effort-reward imbalance,” occurs when workers feel that their efforts are not adequately rewarded through pay, respect, job security, or career opportunities.

19 percent of study participants reported high workloads and 25 percent reported an imbalance between effort and reward. During the 18-year observation period, 186 people developed atrial fibrillation.

After controlling for other risk factors such as age, gender, education, lifestyle habits and other health conditions, the researchers found that workers with high job stress had an 83% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation than workers with low job stress. The risk was 44% higher for workers with an effort-reward imbalance.

The effects were even more pronounced in workers who were exposed to both types of workplace stress simultaneously. These individuals had almost twice the risk of atrial fibrillation than those without either stressor.

The study's findings raise important questions about how chronic stress affects heart health. Although the exact biological mechanisms are not yet fully understood, researchers suspect that prolonged stress may lead to changes in the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate and other involuntary body functions.

Chronic stress has been shown to activate the body's “fight-or-flight” response, leading to an increase in stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this constant state of arousal can cause electrical and structural changes in the heart, making it more susceptible to abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation.

In addition, workplace stress often contributes to unhealthy coping behaviors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and disrupted sleep patterns. These factors may indirectly increase the risk of atrial fibrillation by promoting obesity, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

The study's findings highlight the need for a more holistic approach to heart disease prevention that addresses psychosocial factors in addition to traditional risk factors. Employers may want to consider introducing stress reduction programs or reassessing workloads and compensation structures to create a healthier work environment.

For individuals, the findings underscore the importance of managing workplace stress through healthy coping strategies. These may include setting boundaries, practicing relaxation techniques, seeking support from colleagues or supervisors, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

“The effectiveness of workplace interventions to reduce psychosocial stressors that may also reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation should be investigated in future research,” notes Trudel. “Our research team previously implemented an organizational intervention to reduce psychosocial stressors in the workplace that was shown to effectively reduce blood pressure. Examples of organizational changes implemented during the intervention included slowing down the implementation of a large project to prevent increased workload, introducing flexible working hours, and holding meetings between managers and employees to discuss daily challenges.”

While further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential interventions, the study provides compelling evidence that occupational stress is more than just a nuisance – it can have serious consequences for long-term heart health. As the workforce evolves and job demands increase in many industries, tackling workplace stress may become an increasingly important part of public health efforts to reduce the burden of atrial fibrillation and other cardiovascular diseases.