Your Job May Increase Your Risk for Heart Related Diseases

Latest studies have shown that your job may have something to do with increasing your risk for a stroke or heart disease. 

During the American Heart Association's Epidemiology Lifestyle 2016 meeting in Phoenix, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention presented the results of the research they conducted on 5,566 employees that will help determine the heart risks associated with someone's profession. The group was comprised of men and women, black and white, aged 45 and up.

As per CBS News, CDC researchers examined seven factors, which include blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) cholesterol, diet, fasting glucose levels, physical activity and smoking. They refer to these factors as "Life's Simple 7."

Out of the more than 5,000 employees, about 41 percent did not meet the parameters for having an "ideal cardiovascular health." Those who scored high in terms of their heart health were those whose blood pressures were at 120/80 mmHg and a total cholesterol of below 200mg/dL. They also had blood glucose lower than 100 mg/dL during fasting, and at 140 mg/dL without fasting. They were non-smokers and possessing a normal BMI, plus they also do exercises at least four times a week.

Based on the study, those who belong to management and professional levels scored highest among the different professions. Those in the transportation sector had the highest smoking rate. Those in sales and administrative support had the poorest eating habits. Those in food preparation and serving had the worst diet quality, whereas those in protective service had the highest chance of being overweight.

Capt. Leslie MacDonald, senior scientist in the U.S. Public Health Service at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the lead researcher in the study said, "We found that the cardiovascular health profile of middle age and older workers varies significantly by occupation, and these findings were robust to adjustment for income and education."

Aside from the findings of MacDonald and his team, one thing that also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease at work is stress, this is in accordance to WebMD. Some of the signs that you also need to watch out for include a tired and cranky disposition, inability to sleep or concentrate, and you catch colds most of the time.

Therefore, if your job gives you a low score out of the seven factors mentioned above, or one that gives you a lot of stress, then you are at risk for a cardiovascular related disease. Try to do something about it starting right now; you'll be surprised at the number of years you add to your life.