Related Experiment Videos
Work stress and coronary heart disease
1Department of Psychological Medicine, Sydney University, St Leonards, NSW, Australia. tennant@med.usyd.edu.au
Journal of Cardiovascular Risk
|September 28, 2000
Summary
Work stress is a significant factor influencing coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. This finding has implications for employee health and employer responsibilities.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
- Psychosocial Factors in Medicine
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) is often viewed as a psychosomatic condition.
- Stress, a psychosocial variable, influences the onset and progression of CHD.
- Work-related stress is a potential significant contributor to CHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize evidence on the relationship between occupational stress and CHD.
- To evaluate the predictive studies published between 1990 and 2000.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive review of predictive studies.
- Structured literature searches for studies published from 1990-2000.
- Focus on work stress and coronary heart disease (CHD).
Main Results:
- Robust and consistent empirical evidence supports a causal link between work stress and CHD risk.
- The relationship between occupational stressors and cardiovascular outcomes is empirically supported.
Conclusions:
- Occupational stress has direct implications for employee health and well-being.
- Significant medico-legal considerations exist for employers regarding work-related stress and CHD.