Research Plus

Ischaemic heart disease – psychosocial risks

Women and men exposed to adverse psychosocial working conditions are at greater risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD), according to a systematic review of 96 studies. It found moderately strong evidence linking IHD with job strain (from 25 studies) and low decision latitude (from 18 studies). There was limited evidence linking IHD with: effort–reward imbalance; low support at work; low workplace justice; poor skill discretion; insecure employment; night work; long working week; occupational noise; and a combination of job strain and poor support. The authors estimate a population attributable risk of IHD due to job strain of 5%, with the effects on society even greater if the other risk factors were added.

1. European Journal of Public Health 2016; 26(3): 470–477. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw025.

Tags evidence based practice heart disease stress

Occupational Health at Work August/September 2016 (vol. 13/2) pp41