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Listen Up Ladies—
Job Stress Can Lead to Heart Disease
Recent findings by Harvard researchers in the Women’s Health Study (which involved
more than 17,000 female health professionals) indicate that women whose work is
highly stressful are at a 40 percent increased risk of developing heart disease
compared to their less-stressed colleagues. The study also showed that women who
worry about job loss are more likely to have high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol
levels and be obese.
More studies back this up. A large study in Denmark found a higher risk for heart
disease among women aged 51 and older who were under greater work pressure. Another
study in Beijing found that women with job strain had increased thickness of the
carotid artery—a sign of cardiovascular disease.
The effects of stress, and especially chronic stress, are far-reaching. The body
is designed to respond to stress by increasing blood pressure, speeding heart rate,
quickening breathing, and slowing digestion. Did you know that stress even alters
the microbial balance in the digestive tract? Chronic stress has these same effects,
but over a longer time period. The result? Chronic disease.
There are some aspects about work-related stress that cannot be changed. We all
know that. How we handle the stress is another story. Stress-reducing therapies
such as relaxation techniques, meditation, or yoga can be helpful. Regular exercise
is another stress reducer, and is also good for the heart. Reducing stress outside
of work can also help lessen the stress load.
If you're already concerned about heart health and looking for an advanced cardio
support formula, Love Your Heart
is a product I formulated to support healthy cholesterol levels, increase antioxidant
activity and promote heart energy.* The formula contains oat beta-glucan, CoQ 10
and red yeast rice, in addition to other ingredients that support heart health.
Yours in Health,
Brenda Watson, C.N.C. |
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