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Long Working Hours Linked to Increased Stroke Risk

Correlation stronger for white-collar workers younger than 50 years

THURSDAY, June 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with long working hours (LWHs) have an increased risk for stroke, with a stronger correlation for those exposed to LWHs for 10 years or more, according to a study published online June 20 in Stroke.

Marc Fadel, M.D., from CHU Poincaré in Garches, France, and colleagues examined the correlation between LWHs and stroke using information retrieved from a French population-based cohort. LWHs were defined as working time >10 hours daily for at least 50 days per year.

The researchers identified 1,224 (0.9 percent) strokes among the 143,592 participants in the analyses. Overall, 29.6 and 10.1 percent of participants reported LWHs and LWHs for 10 years or more. There was a correlation for LWHs with an increased risk for stroke, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.29. A strong correlation was noted between being exposed to LWHs for 10 years or more and stroke, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.45. There were no differences between men and women in the correlation, which was stronger for white-collar workers aged younger than 50 years.

“I would also emphasize that many health care providers work much more than the definition of long working hours and may also be at higher risk of stroke,” a coauthor said in a statement. “As a clinician, I will advise my patients to work more efficiently and plan to follow my own advice.”

The cohort (Cohorte des Consultants des Centres d’Examens de Santé) is partially funded by Merck Sharp Dohme, AstraZeneca, and Lundbeck.

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