Exhaustion linked to increased risk of heart attack in men – sciencedaily

“Vital exhaustion refers to excessive fatigue, feelings of demoralization and increased irritability,” said study author Dr Dmitriy Panov, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk , Russian Federation. “It is believed to be a response to intractable problems in people’s lives, especially when they are unable to cope with prolonged exposure to psychological stressors.”

This study examined the relationship between burnout and the risk of myocardial infarction in men without a history of cardiovascular disease. The study used data from the World Health Organization (WHO) MONICA project. 2 A representative sample of 657 men aged 25 to 64 in Novosibirsk was recruited in 1994.

Symptoms of vital exhaustion were assessed at baseline using the Maastricht Vital Exhaustion Questionnaire adopted by the MONICA protocol. The participants were classified according to their level of vital exhaustion: none, moderate or high. The participants were followed for 14 years for the incidence of heart attacks.

Overall, two-thirds (67%) of men had life-sustaining exhaustion (15% had high level and 52% moderate level) while 33% were unaffected. Almost three-quarters (74%) of men with hypertension had life-related exhaustion – high in 58% and moderate in 16%.

Across the group of men, the researchers analyzed the association between initial burnout and the risk of heart attack. Compared with those without lifelong exhaustion, men with moderate or elevated levels had a 2.7 times higher risk of heart attack within five years, a 2.25 higher risk within 10 years, and an increased risk of 2 , 1 in 14 years (p for all <0.05).

When the analysis was controlled for social factors (education, occupation and marital status) and age, the influence of burnout on heart attack risk decreased but remained statistically significant. For example, compared to those without burnout, men with moderate or elevated levels were 16% more likely to have a myocardial infarction over 14 years of follow-up compared to those who did not after adjusting for factors. social and age (p <0.05).

In the adjusted analysis, the risk of an exhaustion-related heart attack was higher in never-married, divorced, and widowed men compared to married men – with risk ratios of 3.7, 4.7, 7, 0, respectively. The risk of an exhaustion-related heart attack was 2.2 times higher among people with a basic education than among men with a university degree. Middle-aged men were more affected than younger men: compared to 24-34 years old, the risk of heart attack related to exhaustion was 3.8 times higher in 45-54 year olds and 5.9 times higher in 55 years. -64 years old.

Regarding the influence of marital status on the relationship between exhaustion and heart attack, Dr Panov said: “Living alone indicates less social support, what we know from our previous studies is a factor. independent risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. “

He noted that the results indicate a pattern that social disadvantage is linked to burnout, which is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. “The relationship between exhaustion and threatening cardiovascular events must be taken into account when assessing risk,” he said.

Dr Panov concluded: “Efforts to improve well-being and reduce stress at home and at work can help reduce burnout. Participation in community groups is one way to increase social support and become less vulnerable to stress. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, these measures should be beneficial for heart health. “

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