Heart health in the workplace

February is the month of love; it is a reminder for us to assess our heart health. How does the workplace affect heart health and how does heart disease affect us in the workplace? Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes stroke, heart attack, and hypertension (high blood pressure), is one of the leading causes of death. Employees who suffer from heart disease have to take additional days off work and are usually less productive because of the nature of the illness. Many cases of heart disease are preventable, and small changes will have an impact not only on individual health but on employee performance and business profitability.

It is widely recognised that certain occupational factors can contribute to, or even cause, CVD. These exposures can range from common occurrences in the workplace to rare instances. 

Physical impacts and heart disease

1. Noise pollution, with prolonged exposure to levels exceeding 80Db, has been linked to increased blood pressure. 
2. Physical inactivity is strongly correlated with CVD, and heavy lifting has been associated with an increased risk of a heart attack. 
3. Working in extreme temperatures, whether extreme heat or cold, has been linked to an increased risk of CVD, particularly in individuals with pre-existing CVD. 
4. Vibration, whether it affects a specific body part or the whole body (e.g. forklift operator), vibration can negatively impact the cardiovascular system. 

Chemical hazards and heart disease 

1. Carbon monoxide exposure, commonly found in furnaces, boilers, vehicle exhaust, and areas with poor air circulation, can have detrimental effects on the heart by reducing the amount of oxygen carried by blood. 
2. Nitrate esters – Chemicals found in explosives used in construction, demolition, and mining, can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as the constriction of blood vessels, increasing the risk of CVD.  
3. Carbon Disulphide – Commonly found in the production of rayon or cellophane, solvents for rubber and oils, pesticides, fumigants, and microelectronics, exposure to Carbon Disulphide can affect enzyme function in the body, leading to high cholesterol, blood pressure, and aneurysms. 
4. Heavy Metals (Lead, Cobalt, Arsenic/Arsine) – Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, cobalt, and arsenic/arsine, commonly found in construction, smelting, manufacturing, production of metal alloys, and arsenical insecticides, has been linked to hypertension and damage to the heart. 
5. Certain Solvents – Such as those found in degreasing, paint stripping, refrigeration, air conditioning propellants, and hazardous waste sites, can increase the risk of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). 

Psychosocial factors and heart disease  

1. Stress – Prolonged stress can have a significantly impact the body by altering hormone levels and affecting how the cardiovascular and nervous systems function. Additionally, it can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms that increase the risk of CVD. 
2. Shift work – Those who work outside of traditional daytime hours may be at an increased risk for CVD, as studies have shown a correlation between shift work and conditions such as high blood pressure. 

Heart disease symptoms and diagnosis

CVD often referred to as the “silent killers”, can be particularly deadly because they often have no visible symptoms. In fact, many people are not even aware that they have a problem with their blood vessels until it is too late.  The symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmia can vary greatly, making it even more difficult to identify early signs. 

Heart disease and stress at work

Long working hours, pressing deadlines, and the expectation to maintain a high level of performance can lead to excessive stress levels for employees. The detrimental effects of work-related stress, such as insomnia, burnout, and decreased productivity, are well-known, it can also exacerbate mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

However, the question remains, can the stress caused by work be so severe that it causes a heart attack? 

According to recent research, work-related stressors, such as high job demands and prolonged working hours, have moderately increased the risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke. 

The excess risk for individuals exposed to these stressors is estimated to be between 10-40% compared to those without such stressors. Importantly, this association is found to apply to both men and women, as well as employees of different ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Many might not realize it, but workplace culture can also have a substantial effect on heart health. Workplace conditions, such as job pressures, discrimination, microaggressions, and sedentary activity, can significantly impact employees’ cardiovascular and emotional responses throughout the day. 

Chronic exposure to these forms of workplace stress can trigger the “fight or flight response,” releasing cortisol and triggering an inflammatory response that accelerates the thickening or hardening of the arteries. This is known as the “atherosclerotic process” and is a major contributor to heart attacks. 

Heart disease and work stress are closely linked, with many studies showing that chronic stress can increase the development of cardiovascular disease risks. Not only is this a concern for employees, but also for employers who are facing rising healthcare costs and lost productivity due to this debilitating condition. 

Heart disease risks prevention

CVD is a complex condition influenced by a combination of factors, some of which individuals have no control over. For example, family history, ethnic background, and even complications during pregnancy can all play a role in cardiovascular disease development.  

One of the most significant risk factors for heart disease is high blood pressure, which can be caused or exacerbated by lifestyle factors such as: 

• Smoking
• Diabetes 
• Unhealthy diet 
• Excessive alcohol use  
• Physical inactivity 

These risk factors are cumulative, meaning that the more of them you have, the greater your risk becomes. Individuals can take steps to reduce their risk of heart disease, even if they cannot control certain factors. By avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and following a nutritious diet, individuals can reduce their risk of coronary artery disease and sudden cardiac death by an impressive 80%.  

One of the most alarming scenarios for employees with heart conditions is the possibility of a heart attack at work. This not only puts the employee’s health at risk but also raises important questions about employer responsibility for employee heart attacks.  

Employers must provide a safe working environment for all employees, including taking appropriate measures to prevent heart disease in the workplace. Some of these measures include providing access to regular health screenings, promoting healthy lifestyles, and providing accommodations for employees with heart conditions. 

Cutting down employee risk of heart disease leads to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, lower turnover, higher ability to attract a quality workforce, and reduced employee medical cost. 

Some forms of cardiovascular diseases are preventable and tips to preventing them include.

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
• Avoid active and passive smoking.
• Avoid excess alcohol consumption.
• Minimal intake of red meat and foods high in saturated fats.

Workplace wellness programs play an integral part of preventing cardiovascular diseases. Keeping your employees’ heart healthy will ensure they function at peak performance which will not only earn your company a higher return but will also assist in cutting financial loss.

Symptoms of a heart attack:

• Chest pain, pressure or tightness, or a squeezing or aching sensation in the centre of the chest.
• Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or occasionally upper abdomen.
• Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Light headedness, dizziness, fainting.
• Sweating.

A heart attack generally causes chest pain for more than 15 minutes. Some people have mild chest pain, while others have more-severe pain. The discomfort is commonly described as a pressure or chest heaviness, although some people have no chest pain or pressure at all. Women tend to have more-vague symptoms, such as nausea or back or jaw pain.

Some heart attacks strike suddenly, but many people have warning signs hours or days in advance.

What to do if someone has a heart attack at work:

1. Call 112, 084-124 or 082-911 immediately for help if you think someone might be having a heart attack.
   1. Don’t ignore the symptoms of a heart attack.
   2. If you can’t get an ambulance or emergency vehicle to come to you, have a neighbour or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital.
   3. Drive yourself only if you have no other option. Because your condition can worsen, driving yourself puts you and others at risk.
2. Chew and swallow an aspirin while waiting for emergency help.
   1. Aspirin helps keep your blood from clotting. When taken during a heart attack, it could reduce heart damage.
   2. Don’t take aspirin if you are allergic to it or have been told by your health care provider never to take aspirin.
3. Take Nitroglycerin, if prescribed.
4. Begin CPR if the person is unconscious.
   1. If the person is not breathing or showing signs of life, begin CPR to keep blood flowing after you call for emergency medical help.
   2. Push hard and fast on the centre of the person’s chest in a fairly rapid rhythm — about 100 to 120 compressions a minute.
5. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is immediately available and the person is unconscious, follow the device instructions for using it.