Long Working Hours – Higher Risk of Hypertension

Longer days at work may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. A telephone survey held by a group of scientists from the University of California shows that people who work more than 51 hours a week are 29% more likely to have hypertension.

24,000 workers from California participated in the study. They were asked if they suffer from hypertension and reported their average weekely working hours. People who worked 40 hours a week were !4% more likely to develop high blood pressure compared to those who work 11 to 39 hours. Those who work 41 to 50 hours a week are 17% more likely to have hypretension and people who work 51 or more hours are 29% more likely to have this condition.

The study also found that unskilled workers are at a higher risk for hypertension than professionals.
The reasons for these findings, suggest the researchers, may be that people who work long hours lead an unhealthy lifestyle – eat fast food, smoke, do not exersize etc. Sress may be another factor.

The researchers reported their findings in the journal Hypertension.