In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association , researchers evaluated the individual and combined effects of workplace psychosocial stressors, such as effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and job strain, on atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence. Background AF is a frequent type of arthritis that primarily affects individuals over the age of 40 years, increasing their risk of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular issues. Primary prevention is critical for reducing AF's public health and economic impact.
Psychosocial stresses at work, such as job strains and ERI, have been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Job strain implies that workers with high psychological demands and limited decision-making power are more prone to acquire stress-related health issues. However, there is scarce research on the negative consequences of these stresses on AF incidence.
Evidence shows that job-related stresses increase the risk of AF, although the effect of ERI and cumulative exposure is uncertain. About the study In the present prospective cohort study, researchers investigated whether psychosocial stress at workplaces from job strains and effort-reward imbalance increases AF risk. The Prospective Quebec Study on Work and Health (PROQ) study included 5,926 cardiovascular disease-free white-collar working individuals (3,021 females and 2,905 males) between 1991 and 1993, excluding those with a history of AF or CVD events and those who we.