Work-related psychosocial factors and the development of ischemic heart disease: a systematic review

Cardiol Rev. 2009 Mar-Apr;17(2):83-97. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0b013e318198c8e9.

Abstract

The literature on the relationship between work-related psychosocial factors and the development of ischemic heart disease (IHD) was systematically reviewed: 33 articles presented 51 analyses of studies involving male participants, 18 analyses involving female participants, and 8 analyses with both genders. Twenty of the studies originated in the Nordic countries, and the major dimensions of the Demand-Control Model were the focus of 23 articles. A balanced evaluation of the studies indicates moderate evidence that high psychologic demands, lack of social support, and iso-strain are risk factors for IHD among men. Studies performed during recent years have not shown evidence for lack of control as a risk factor for IHD. Several studies have shown that job strain is a risk factor, but in the more recent ones, these associations can be fully explained by the association between demands and disease risk. Insufficient evidence was found for a relationship between IHD and effort-reward imbalance, injustice, job insecurity, or long working hours. Studies involving women are too few to draw any conclusion concerning women, work stress, and IHD.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Coronary Artery Disease / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology
  • Myocardial Ischemia / etiology*
  • Myocardial Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Occupational Health*
  • Risk Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / complications*
  • Work / psychology*
  • Workplace / psychology*