Job Stress Increases Women's Risk of Heart Disease

Researchers from the Brigham and Women's Hospital in a large study found that job stress significantly increased the risk of heart disease in women. LA Times article

The women in the study were primarily white health professionals in their 50s. They were followed for more than 10 years. Job stress was defined as having a demanding job but little or no decision-making authority or opportunities to use one's creative or individual skills.

These results are consistent with a large study out of England which also showed that job stress- particularly having little control at work-was a significant risk factor for heart disease. Part of the mechanism by which the stress may contribute to the risk of heart disease is that chronic job stress is associated with increased abdominal fat.

For more information, about women and heart disese visit our Women's Heart Program in Los Angeles