According to a scientific study conducted for 11 years on more than 7000 civil servants, scientists feel that too many hours of work can increase the risk of heart attacks incredibly. This study got published in the journal 'Annal of Internal Medicine' this week.
Experts at University College London raised the alarm bell that working on an average for 11 hours a day is not a positive sign. This increases the risk of heart attacked by two thirds compared to working for 7-8 hours daily.
It is similar to sleeping less than six hours a night. Working for 11 hours means there is higher stress level. The higher level of a stress hormone - cortisol causes heart problems.
Thus, scientists are suggesting that doctors should take into consideration the working hours of patients as an important risk factor besides person's body mass index (BMI), age, blood pressure, cholesterol levels etc.
Apart from that, this study is a warning for people who over work because too much work increases stress level and thereby may lead to heart diseases or heart attacks.
I remember how stressful it was when I used to work at an agency. The work hours were too hectic and unreasonable. They definitely did have a toll on me and my health. There was immense amount of stress that even caused sleepless nights. Dreams about the plans and deadlines was usual. Thanks to cell phones and BlackBerry, clients can ruin all your days, weekends with their messages and never ending silly demands.
However, I did learn that we must learn to say NO and leave work at work place. There is a life too that needs to be enjoyed and taken care of. But most people prefer to leave their personal life totally to concentrate on work. Death through excessive work was definitely something that I would want although I am a workaholic.
