Work Time and 11-Year Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Middle-Aged Finnish Men
2009

Work Time and Carotid Atherosclerosis Progression in Finnish Men

Sample size: 621 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Krause Niklas MD, PhD, MPH, Brand Richard J. PhD, Wong Candice C. MD, MPH, Kauhanen Jussi MD, PhD, Kaplan George A. PhD, Syme S. Leonard PhD, Salonen Jukka T. MD, PhD

Primary Institution: University of California, San Francisco

Hypothesis

The study aimed to examine the effect of work time on the progression of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

Increases in work time are positively associated with progression of carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged men, especially in those with preexisting cardiovascular disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • Working 3, 5, or 7 days per week was associated with 23%, 31%, and 40% increases in IMT over 11 years.
  • Men with ischemic heart disease who worked longer hours experienced a 69% increase in IMT.
  • The study adjusted for 21 biological, behavioral, and psychosocial risk factors.

Takeaway

Working longer hours can make your arteries get thicker, which is not good for your heart, especially if you already have heart problems.

Methodology

This was a prospective study that evaluated the effects of work time on carotid intima-media thickness over 11 years in middle-aged Finnish men.

Potential Biases

Self-reporting of work hours may lead to inaccuracies in the data.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported work time, which could introduce bias.

Participant Demographics

Middle-aged Finnish men, aged 42 to 60 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 2.59%-2.85%

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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