Heart Attack Risk Increases with Unemployment

Well-known risk factors for heart attack include hypertension, stress, poor eating habits, smoking, and an excess of body weight. A new risk factor was recently found through a 20-year study, one that in today’s current economic state may be all too prevalent. The newest risk factor for heart attack is joblessness. A new study shows that people who have lost their job have an increased risk of heart attack, and the greatest concern is for those who have suffered multiple job losses over a short period of time. In addition, just as medical factors do not discriminate, neither does unemployment. The risk was the same for workers who held a Master’s degree or a GED. The actual state of being unemployed is only part of problem. While it is a risk factor in itself, it also is a doorway to other top heart attack risk factors. Many who are unemployed fall into the pit of emotional eating, unhealthy eating choices, staying up late regularly, sleeping less, and becoming sedentary. Some of these behaviors are a direct result of being unemployed, while others are a matter of choice based on emotions. The fact is, during a time when people are working some of the most stressful jobs and schedules to make ends meet, it is just as stressful to be one of the millions who is unemployed. Both workers and the unemployed are at risk for heart attacks, but as an unemployed person the burden of making ends meet can become depressing and daunting. It is suggested to seek medical attention for depression and any medical conditions that arise during the period of unemployment. That way when a new position is found, every former unemployed worker will be in their best health to perform their new job, and worry less about their risk for heart attack. Sources: MedPage Today - http://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/MyocardialInfarction/36018 USA Today - http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/11/19/unemployment-increases-heart-attacks/1710469/ U.S. News/HealthDay - http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/11/19/unemployed-at-higher-risk-for-heart-attack