JOIN USIt’s a race against time. The endless demands of the present-day workplace have left employees chasing the ticking hands of the clock in a frantic attempt to catch up. Regardless of whether or not people have been able to keep up with their increasingly fast-paced lifestyles, an unforeseen threat has been looming closer with each passing day -- the risk of developing heart diseases.
It is an established theory that the stress experienced by an individual in his workplace can lead to heart problems. However, the impact of occupations on cardiovascular health differs according to the job in question. Today, blue collar and white collar professionals face occupational pressures that are similar in magnitude, but vary in their basic nature.
Researchers found that those involved in wholesale trade, public administration, waste management, transportation and warehousing top the list of people who are vulnerable to heart disease. Insurance, information and education sectors paint a happier picture with only 0.8 to 1.2% of their employees suffering from cardiac problems. The construction, healthcare and social assistance sectors feature safely in between the two extremes.
The period of time during which work takes place has been found to be a significant game changer. A large section of people belonging to the age group of 20-30 years are engaged in occupations that involve outsourcing. This involves working in shifts, irregular schedules and erratic eating habits. Research data attempts to establish a connection between working in shifts -- which is seen as being disruptive of natural, physiological processes –- and heart ailments.
The disruption of physiological processes is attributed to the higher consumption of calories at night rather than the daytime, resulting in increased cholesterol levels. This, combined with lack of sleep, and behavioural changes such as higher smoking rates, increases the odds of developing problematic health conditions and places those who work night shifts a notch higher on the list of heart disease-prone employees.
Specific pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, have chronic effects on the development of coronary artery disease. While exposure to pollution may not necessarily pose a threat to those who remain protected within their offices, it is highly problematic for those who work extensively outdoors, such as in high vehicular traffic zones or in factories and industrial areas.
The amount of physical work done -- either too much or too little -– is one of the most important factors that increase an individual’s vulnerability to heart disease. Jobs have become progressively more sedentary, a significant cause for worry. This holds true in corporate scenarios where employees are bound to their desks for hours on end with minimal physical activity.
Sedentary occupations
The link between occupationally unfavourable conditions and heart diseases cannot be written off as being tenuous. The human body is designed to move and stay active. Sedentary occupations, which can lead to diabetes, thrombosis and high blood pressure, can also lead to coronary heart diseases. Keeping in mind the busy schedule of a corporate job, this can be avoided by including short, frequent periods of physical activity. The time for exercising needs to be scheduled and religiously followed. Walking whenever possible, parking vehicles farther away from the destination, taking the stairs and involving yourself in more household chores are small investments that will pay off in the long run.
Organisations can do their part by analysing the dietary options provided in their canteens. A well-balanced, nutritious and wholesome diet is essential. Providing access to health and recreational facilities like gyms and fitness centres within the campus ensures that the employee leads a more physically active life.
Those involved in extensively manual and outdoor work can ensure that their heart stays in the pink of health by taking the necessary safety precautions. These can include the usage of masks to keep away harmful gases, ensuring that the machinery is well-maintained and is checked regularly for emissions and pollution control. Most importantly, regular health check-ups and tests can go a long way towards nipping a potential problem in the bud.
(The writer is Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru)