Is your job increasing your risk of heart disease?

Want to know if your job can give you a heart attack? Workers in service and blue-collar occupations as well as unemployed people are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, says a new researc

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: October 8, 2014 12:36 pm

Want to know if your job can give you a heart attack? Workers in service and blue-collar occupations as well as unemployed people are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, says a new research. Those working in the wholesale trade are at greater risk – 2.9 per cent of the people in that sector had suffered heart disease or a stroke in the US. (Read: Gallery: Ten tips for a healthier heart) Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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At 0.8 per cent, people working in finance and insurance had the lowest rate of heart disease, the findings from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed. Work-related risk factors for heart disease and stroke include noise, job stress, second-hand smoke and doing shift work. For the study, researchers analysed national health surveys conducted between 2008 and 2012 to estimate the rate of heart disease and stroke among adults younger than 55 years. (Read: Natural remedies for heart disease (Gallery)) Also Read - Weight loss diet: How to eat healthy in a restaurant when you want to lose weight

They found that the rate of heart disease and stroke was highest among people in two industries. One is Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services, and the other Accommodation and Food Services, Live Science reported. Job insecurity is a common cause of stress leading to cardiovascular problems. Another factor may be working alternate shifts, researchers noted. (Read: 6 heart health myths busted!)

Here are the most common signs associated with heart disease

1. Shortness of breath (dyspnoea): Breathlessness or shortness of breath is commonly encountered in patients with heart disease or heart failure. It is also a warning sign of heart attack. Breathing difficulty while exercising or any other physical exertion may indicate a problem with the heart valves. But it can also be due to inflammation and weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) which results in improper contraction.

2. Chest pain: Chest pain (angina) is a classic symptom of heart attack and coronary artery disease (CAD). In some cases, chest pain is associated with inflammation of the tissue covering the heart (pericardium). The type and duration of chest pain is also indicative of the underlying heart disease. Pain may be described as short-term, constant, stabbing or sharp. It can last for a few seconds or for hours together.

3. Swelling of feet: Swelling in the feet and ankles is seen in people with congestive heart failure where the blood pumping capacity of the heart reduces. This affects the kidneys which respond by retaining more fluid in body. The fluid then accumulates in the feet and other parts of the body. Read more about 8 common heart disease symptoms and warning signs

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

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Published : August 2, 2014 9:52 am | Updated:October 8, 2014 12:36 pm

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