Stroke Risk Higher When Working Long Hours

Did you know that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States? In fact, over 140,000 people die each year from stroke alone in the country, according to Stroke Center. Some stroke deaths could be prevented by seeking medical attention sooner. The problem is that so many are unaware of the signs and symptoms associated with stroke: Beginnings of side droops, numbness, speech difficulties and muscle weakness, typically on just one side of the body.

A new study published in The Lancet medical journal shows that working longer hours can significantly increase stroke risk. Of course, some of us can't help the length of a long-day at the office. Yet specifically, researchers pointed out that working significantly longer hours heightened the risk. 

In this recent study, researchers at University College London compiled data from other studies that involved about 600,000 people from Europe, the United States and Australia who did not have coronary heart disease at the baseline and over 500,000 people who hadn't had a stroke at the baseline. Follow-up studies several years later revealed a recorded 4,768 cases of heart disease and 1,722 stroke events.

After adjusting for various factors, researchers found that those who worked 55 hours or more per week had a 33 percent greater risk of suffering from a stroke when compared to those who worked between 35 and 40 hours per week. Longer work weeks were also associated with a 13 percent increased risk of coronary heart disease.

"Working long hours can involve sitting for long periods of time, experiencing stress and leads to less time available to look after yourself," said Dr. Shamim Quadir of the Stroke Association, via BBC. 

In order to lower stroke risk, especially for those who may find themselves at the office over longer periods, taking 20 minute walking breaks can help, as well as getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. 

Talk with your doctor about other ways to lower your risk, including diet, exercise and giving up certain vices that may be particularly detrimental to your health. 

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