Occupational stress and subclinical atherosclerosis: a systematic review

Stress is a common hazard in the work environment and is associated with multiple adverse health effects. The association between work-related stress (WRS) and cardiovascular disease has been established in a number of epidemiological studies.

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement of the English literature involving WRS and carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT).

Four cohorts and six cross-sectional studies of occupational stress and CIMT were identified. All cohorts and five of the cross-sectional studies reported a significant positive association, while one reported an inverse association of WRS and CIMT.

The weight of the evidence that we were able to identify suggests that occupational stress results in an increased risk of atherosclerosis, assessed via CIMT. Studies that include longitudinal measures of stress and intermediate cardiac endpoints, with adequate accounting for confounders, are needed. Interventional studies should also be conducted to determine whether CIMT progression can be prevented with workplace stress reduction.