Working longer hours contributes to hypertension risk

Men and women who work long hours have higher blood pressure (BP) levels compared with their counterparts who work 35–40 hours per week, a study reports.

The study examined the link between long working hours (≥41 h/week) on ambulatory BP mean over a follow up of 2.5 years in a cohort of more than 2,000 white-collar workers in Quebec City, Canada. Work hours were self-reported, while BP was measured using Spacelabs 90207.

Compared with those who work 21–34 and 35–40 hours, participants with long working hours (≥41 h) were more likely to be aged ≥40 years, have higher alcohol intake (≥6 per week), hold a university degree, and be receiving a high level of reward at work.

Cross-lagged generalized estimating equation linear regressions analysis showed that longer working hours (≥41 h) were associated with a higher diastolic BP mean at follow-up compared with regular hours in women (difference, 1.8 mm Hg, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.5–3.1).

In men, longer working hours were associated with both higher systolic and diastolic BP means compared with regular hours (difference in systolic BP, 2.5 mm Hg, 95 percent CI, 0.5–4.4; difference in diastolic BP, 2.3 mm Hg, 95 percent CI, 1.0–3.7).

The link between working longer hours and elevated BP was stronger among workers with high family responsibilities.

The present data suggest that strategies that promote work hours not exceeding 40 hours per week may contribute to the primary prevention of hypertension, especially for individuals with high family responsibilities.