Introduction
Work can be overwhelming and may need overtime to meet deadlines and earn extra income. Some workplaces, such as hospitals, require long hours shifts. This can negatively impact heart health and lead to harmful consequences. This article discusses the effects of overtime on cardiovascular health, explains why workers should avoid working extra, and why it is important to maintain a work-life balance. (1–3)
The Link Between Overtime and Heart Disease
Research has proven the impact of overtime and stress on cardiovascular health through the following mechanisms:
1. Stimulation of Chronic Inflammation
Working long hours can cause stress, which stimulates the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that causes inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, due to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, causing them to restrict and reduce blood flow to the heart.
2. Unhealthy Lifestyle
Overworking employees usually follow an unhealthy lifestyle habit, including:
- A poor diet: It can be caused by constantly working and consuming quick, unhealthy snacks and meals, leading to obesity which is a significant risk factor for heart disease.
- Reduced physical activity: Lack of exercise and rest, along with improper body posture during work, such as sitting at desks for a long time, can all contribute to harmful consequences on the heart and overall health.
- Sleep deprivation: Poor sleeping habits, such as insufficient hours of sleep, can reduce concentration, cause confusion, and impair cognitive function, which can lead to altered decision-making. These can exacerbate stress and eventually, negatively affect the heart.
3. Psychological Impacts
Working for longer than the recommended healthy hours can also lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. These symptoms can contribute to increased blood pressure, tachycardia (increased heart rate), and elevated lipid profile, all of which can cause cardiovascular diseases.
4. Impaired Social Life
An impaired work-life balance can affect an individual’s social relationships, making them feel isolated, which can further increase stress, resulting in a negative impact on heart health.
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) showed that working 55 hours or more per week can directly increase the risk of stroke by 35% and the risk of death from heart disease by 17%, compared to people working less than 40 hours per week. (4)
The Importance of Work-Life Balance
Although working extra hours can be beneficial and sometimes necessary; it can contribute to long-term consequences on the cardiovascular and overall health. Maintaining a balanced work-life balance can significantly enhance physical health, improve mental and emotional well-being, increase productivity and job satisfaction, and eventually prevent the negative effects of overtime on employee health and lifestyle.
References
- https://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/may/11/overtime-heart-risks-research#:~:text=One%20or%20two%20hours’%20overtime,risk%20of%20coronary%20heart%20disease.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267375/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7339147/
- https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2021-long-working-hours-increasing-deaths-from-heart-disease-and-stroke-who-ilo