Working More than 55 Hours per Week Ups Stroke Risk by 33%

People who work 55 hours or more per week are more likely to suffer a stroke or experience heart trouble, scientists at the University College London warn in a new study in The Lancet.

Specifically, the researchers say that, when compared to a 35 to 40 weekly norm, such a work schedule correlates with a 33% increase in stroke risk and a 13% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Documenting how working long hours affects health

As part of their investigation, the University College London team looked at the medical records of 603,838 men and women in Europe, the US and Australia who were monitored over an average 8.5 years. Data concerning working hours was also factored in.

This study helped the researchers document a 13% increased risk of coronary heart disease among the men and women who, during the 8.5 years that they were monitored, spent 55 or more hours per week on the job.

Then, another study involving 528,908 men and women that medical experts kept tabs on over a period of 7.2 years revealed that the same work schedule correlates with a 33% increase in stroke risk.

This association remained even when considering variables such as smoking and drinking behavior, gender, socioeconomic status and overall health condition, the scientists write in their report in the journal The Lancet.

“Health professionals should be aware that working long hours is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke, and perhaps also coronary heart disease,” warns study leader Mika Kivimäki.

Best stick to a 35 to 40 hour week, the researchers say

Interestingly, it appears it's not just people who clock in 55 work hours or more per week who are at risk to develop health complications. The same is true about folks who, although don't spend quite as much time on the job, nonetheless work for more than the recommended 35 to 40 hours.

Thus, Mika Kivimäki and his colleagues say that, according to their investigations, people who work 41 to 48 hours or maybe 49 to 54 hours have a 10% and 27% higher risk of stroke, respectively.