Those Who Work More Than 50 Hours A Week Have Increased Risk Of Stroke

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It is a frightening study, especially for those who work more hours than the typical forty hour work week. A report from the journal, The Lancet, has found that people who work more than fifty hour per week on regular basis have a 33-percent increased risk of suffering a stroke.

The factors involved in this study are quite clear: many of those people don't exercise because of the time constraints and they eat poorly for the same reason. Most who work this much also experience a great deal of stress. There are numerous additional factors including an increased risk of alcohol abuse.

Here is my perspective on this: for many people there may be no choice but to work this much just to make ends meet, but if you find yourself putting in these hours, make a conscious attempt to cut back if you can- and at the very least start to look at these lifestyle choices and make changes. Finally, take time for a check up and have you blood pressure evaluated. Uncontrolled pressure also increases your risk of stroke.