Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
Published on: July 1, 2021
[Karoshi, death by overwork]
1School of Humanity, Section of Human Nutrition, Seitoku University.
Insights
Karoshi, or death by overwork, is linked to cardiovascular diseases like stroke. Changes in compensation standards in 2000 recognized this link, increasing Karoshi cases significantly.
Area of Science:
- Social Medicine
- Occupational Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
Context:
- Karoshi (death by overwork) is a recognized social medical issue.
- Cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction are frequently associated with Karoshi.
- The Workers' Insurance Compensation Standard was revised in December 2000.
Purpose:
- To highlight the link between chronic fatigue from overwork and cardiovascular attacks.
- To report the increase in Karoshi compensation cases following the 2000 policy change.
- To inform about the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's stance on Karoshi causes.
Summary:
- The 2000 policy change acknowledged the relationship between chronic fatigue and cardiovascular events, leading to a surge in Karoshi compensation claims from approximately 80 to over 300 cases.
- Long working hours, particularly unpaid overtime extending over several months, are identified as primary contributors to Karoshi.
- Labor Standard Inspector Offices are now advising companies to reduce monthly overtime to below 45 hours.
Impact:
- Increased recognition and compensation for Karoshi cases attributed to cardiovascular diseases.
- Potential for policy changes and workplace interventions aimed at reducing long working hours.
- Heightened awareness among employers and employees regarding the health risks of overwork.
Abstract:
Karoshi (death by overwork) is one of social medical terms, which used by survivors of victims who attacked with cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. In Dec. 2000, Compensation Standard of cardiovascular diseases in Workers' Insurance was changed and admitted the relationship between chronic fatigue and cardiovascular attacks. As a result, compensation numbers of Karoshi attributed to three hundred and more from about 80 cases. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare thinks that most of Karoshi caused by long working hours continuing for several months, especially without payment, so that the Labour Standard Inspector Office requests to decrease overtime work more than 45 hours per month to firm administrators.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Necrosis
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Fatigue
Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from emotional distress. Anger...
Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
