This problem can arise even if you have never had heart problems.
Do you spend a lot of time in the office? Your free time isn’t the only thing that can hurt you: A new study, published in the European Heart Journal, working long hours can increase your chances of atrial fibrillation.
The researchers found that those who worked 55 or more hours a week were 42 percent more likely to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, during a 10-year follow-up period, than those who worked 35 to 40 hours a week.
Furthermore, nine out of 10 detected cases of atrial fibrillation occurred in people without pre-existing or existing heart problems, suggesting that the additional risk of developing the disease is due to long hours of work, rather than previous heart problems, the researchers note.
The atrial fibrillation, or heartbeat irregularly, occurs when the two upper chambers of the heartbeat unsynchronized with the two lower chambers, or ventricles, of the heart. Irregular heartbeats can cause blood to accumulate, forming clots that can lead to a stroke. If not controlled, atrial fibrillation can also weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.
Some people with atrial fibrillation, often referred to as “FA,” do not have any symptoms. However, those who do have symptoms, regularly report feeling a racing heart, feeling weak, fatigued, dizzy or short of breath.
The researchers are not sure how excessively long working hours contribute to the condition, but they believe that long working hours can affect the autonomic nervous system, increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation. Stress-related problems, combined with long hours of work, can also lead to arrhythmias.
It is also possible that people who work long hours tend to have more traditional risk factors: obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and increased alcohol consumption.
However, the study authors indicate that the absolute risk of AF in people who work long hours is relatively modest.
But if you work long hours – and you can’t help it – here we tell you how to end work stress.