Long Working Hours: A Silent Threat to Cardiovascular Health
Renowned neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar warns that working over 55 hours per week significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. This conclusion is supported by multiple international studies, including a joint report by the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization.
What the Research Reveals
A large-scale study published in The Lancet found that compared to those working 35-40 hours per week, individuals working 55+ hours had a 33% higher risk of stroke and a 13% higher risk of coronary heart disease. Prolonged work hours lead to elevated stress hormones, sleep deprivation, and prolonged sitting, all of which damage the cardiovascular system.
Why 55 Hours Is the Danger Threshold
- Stress accumulation: Long hours keep the body in a chronic stress state, raising cortisol levels, which increases blood pressure and vascular inflammation.
- Sleep deprivation: Work encroaches on rest time; insufficient sleep disrupts metabolism and autonomic function, raising the risk of arrhythmias.
- Lack of exercise: Prolonged sitting reduces physical activity, impairs blood circulation, and increases the risk of blood clots.
- Poor diet: Busy schedules often lead to high-calorie, high-salt fast food, further burdening blood vessels.
How to Protect Your Heart and Brain
Dr. Kumar recommends setting clear work boundaries, aiming for no more than 50 hours per week; taking a 5-minute break every hour; ensuring 7-8 hours of sleep each night; and engaging in regular aerobic exercise. The Xiaoshu Health App can sync with Apple Health to track key metrics like heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep duration, helping you detect abnormalities early.