Being a high-flier could damage your health
People that work in high pressure environments and those that work long and antisocial hours could be at risk of developing a number of health conditions, according to researchers.
Professionals that devote the majority their time to work, are eager to succeed and are highly ambitious often have a type A personality, which, according to recent studies, can make them more likely to suffer from health conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
Cardiologists established the link between stress and heart disease many years ago now; however, the type of stress experienced by professionals working in high pressure environments has been proven to contribute to conditions which are known by experts as ‘hostility-related heart attacks’. This kind of heart attack is associated with high fliers that spend long periods of time working alone and concentrate on work rather than their social or family life; psychologists say that their personality borders on being ‘hostile’.
Research carried out by the British Dental Foundation has also demonstrated an increase in the number of workers visiting their dentist with problems associated with bruxism; this condition is commonly known as grinding the teeth. The study found that financial sector workers were prone to bruxism and that the number of workers in this environment that had experienced symptoms linked to teeth grinding, such as severe headaches and pain in the teeth and jaws, has risen considerably since the recession hit.
Financial sector workers are a classic example of Type A personalities, with most working long hours and spending large amounts of time under pressure due to the constant changes in the financial markets; in addition, the recent lack of job security in this area undoubtedly contributed to a great deal of stress amongst these professionals.
In addition to heart problems and painful symptoms of bruxism, Type A personalities are also at risk of high blood pressure, which, coupled with a diet commonly filled with caffeine and convenience foods, can contribute to strokes and diabetes.
Spending a lifetime working under pressure can bring financial rewards but the message from health experts is to prioritise health; achieving a healthy work-life balance will reap much richer rewards than spending 16 hours each day in a high pressure environment.
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