Working long hours 'increases stroke risk'

Conclusion This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between long working hours and the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.  Overall, the study found longer working hours above 55 hours a week was linked to a third increased risk of stroke. The link with heart disease was weaker.  It also found the influence of long hours on heart disease risk was higher for those of lower socioeconomic groups than it was for those of intermediate or high socioeconomic groups. This study has several strengths. This includes the large overall sample size and the inclusion of both published and unpublished studies, which should reduce the risk of publication bias. The researchers also excluded disease events that took place in the first year of the follow-up period to better assess the direction of effect. They have also taken into account various confounding factors. However, this study still cannot prove cause and effect. Though the researchers adjusted for some common confounding factors, various hereditary, health and lifestyle factors may influence the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is not possible to single out working hours as the direct cause of these events. The studies included may also vary in the working populations covered, definitions of working hours, and assessment of outcomes (such as medical records or self-reports). The studies also came from high-income countries. This makes it hard to generalise the findings to all ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Neurology Source Type: news