As human beings, we all have responsibilities to fulfill which lead to us working. However, with increasing work pressure, some of us tend to overwork which can have adverse implications on our health.

Overworking has been linked to various health problems like anxiety, depression, weight gain, and even heart problems. In this article, we will take a deep dive into how overworking can lead to heart problems.

What is overworking?

Overworking is simply defined as working long hours beyond the standard working hours prescribed by the organization. It can also be defined as working for more than 40 hours a week.

Some individuals work even when they are supposed to be on leave or take work home to complete. Overworking has become quite common in recent times and is regarded as the norm for some individuals.

The effect of overworking on cardiovascular health

Our hearts are one of the essential organs in our body, and we need to take good care of it. Overworking puts an extraordinary amount of strain on our bodies and can cause heart-related issues.

Working long hours, consistently sitting in front of a computer, and other sedentary activities can cause an accumulation of cholesterol in the artery walls. This accumulation of cholesterol gradually narrows the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow through.

The accumulation of cholesterol in the artery walls is known as atherosclerosis. It reduces the blood flow to the heart, which can cause heart failure.

People who overwork are often more likely to engage in unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy foods. These unhealthy habits, combined with overworking, exacerbate the risk of heart problems.

The link between overworking and heart disease

Overworking increases the risk of heart disease by a significant amount.

In a recent study, it was found that people who worked for more than 11 hours a day had a 67% higher risk of heart disease compared to those who worked for a maximum of 8 hours a day. Also, individuals who worked for long hours were more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating unhealthy foods. These behaviors, combined with long hours of work, take a toll on cardiovascular health.

Individuals who work long hours often suffer from other health issues like sleep deprivation, stress, and anxiety. These factors, when combined, increase the risk of heart disease.

When we are stressed, our bodies release stress hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine. These stress hormones, when present for extended periods, can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, leading to the development of atherosclerosis.

The impact of overworking on women’s heart health

Studies have shown that women who work long hours are at a higher risk of developing heart problems compared to men who work long hours.

Women who work more than 45 hours per week have a 50% higher risk of developing heart disease compared to women who work for 35 hours per week. Women who overwork also have a higher likelihood of developing hypertension, which is one of the leading causes of heart disease.

Preventive measures to reduce the risk of heart disease caused by overworking

Organizations can take measures to reduce the risk of heart disease caused by overworking. One of the ways to do this is by encouraging employees to engage in physical activity regularly.

Taking breaks during work hours to exercise, or engaging in activities like walking can help reduce the risk of heart disease significantly. Another way is by encouraging employees to take vacations to rest and rejuvenate and reducing the workload on employees.

Individuals can also take steps to reduce the risk of heart disease caused by overworking. One of the first steps is by ensuring that they get enough rest and sleep. This can help to reduce stress levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

Individuals can also engage in physical activity, eat healthy foods, reduce alcohol and tobacco consumption, and monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly.

Conclusion

Overworking has become the norm for many individuals, and it has been linked to various health problems like anxiety, depression, weight gain, and heart problems.

The human heart is one of the vital organs in our body, and we need to take good care of it. Overworking puts an immense amount of strain on our bodies, which can cause heart-related problems. Organizations and individuals must take preventive measures to reduce the risk of heart disease caused by overworking.