A new study presented to the American Heart Association finds that high levels of stress at work can increase the risk of heart attacks for "healthy" women by an astonishing 88%.
The study looked at almost 20,000 healthy women, the average age was 57. Most of the women in the study were health care professionals. They were studied for 10 years.
What they found was that those who had a higher degree of job strain were at a 40% increase for overall cardiovascular disease and an 88% increased risk for heart attack.
"All of that stress can lead to a reduction in their immune system, it causes chronic inflammation and there are short term and long term consequences and this study really showed that." said Dr. Jennifer Ashton.
The study showed the women who said they had a high degree of job insecurity were also at a higher risk for obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
All of those things increase your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Here are some tips for improving heart health at work and at home:
1. If your a smoker, quit! Or at least try to cut back. Smoking increases your risk for heart disease and lung cancer.
2. Try meditation or deep breathing exercises, especially if you don't get a lot of breaks.
3. Try to avoid junk food, it's hard to do when you have a demanding job but healthier snacks like fruits and vegetables are a good alternative.
4. Take a walk. Walking can reduce stress and also is a good way to exercise.
This study was presented at the American Heart Association's annual Scientific Sessions meeting this weekend. It's the biggest cardiology meeting in the world.
