Is the Work Pressure Accelerating Blood Pressure? A Cross-Sectional Study in a Pressure Cooker Manufacturing Industry

Hariraj  Sellamuthu

Hariraj Sellamuthu Occupational Health Physician, AFIH, DOH(UK).

Keywords: Blood pressure, Screening tool, Employees health, Health at work.

Abstract

Background: High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the current scenario. Epidemiological studies have shown that psychosocial factors such as workplace psychosocial health may also contribute to high blood pressure. Accumulative effects on frequent or continuous exposure to work-related strain, job dissatisfaction and lack of peer/ social support can affect both psychological and physical health.
Objectives: The aim of the study is to find the impact of work pressure/ job strain on blood pressure and also to screen non-communicable diseases such as hypertension among workers.
Methods: In this cross-sectional observational and descriptive study, the readings of blood pressure of the participants were noted twice a day: the first one on entering the factory for work and the second one after the 4th hour of his/ her 8-hour shift. These readings were then compared and the variations in blood pressure were noted and analysed.
Results: One participant among all had 32 mmHg of systolic blood pressure variation on comparing both readings of blood pressure and another was found to be newly diagnosed with hypertension on this
screening.
Conclusions: The risk of cardiovascular disease due to hypertension was found to be less among the employees of that particular manufacturing plant at that particular time.

How to cite this article:
Sellamuthu H. Is the Work Pressure Accelerating
Blood Pressure? A Cross-Sectional Study in a
Pressure Cooker Manufacturing Industry. J Adv
Res Med 2023; 10(1): 14-17.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.7181.202310

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