Effects of job strain on blood pressure: a prospective study of male and female white-collar workers

Abstract

Objectives: We evaluated whether cumulative exposure to job strain increases blood pressure.

Methods: A prospective study of 8395 white-collar workers was initiated during 1991 to 1993. At follow-up, 7.5 years later, 84% of the participants were reassessed to estimate cumulative exposure to job strain.

Results: Compared with men who had never been exposed, men with cumulative exposure and those who became exposed during follow-up showed significant systolic blood pressure increments of 1.8 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.1, 3.5) and 1.5 mm Hg (95% CI=0.2, 2.8), respectively, and relative risks of blood pressure increases in the highest quintile group of 1.33 (95% CI = 1.01, 1.76) and 1.40 (95% CI = 1.14, 1.73). Effect magnitudes were smaller among women. Effects tended to be more pronounced among men and women with low levels of social support at work.

Conclusions: Among these white-collar workers, exposure to cumulative job strain had a modest but significant effect on systolic blood pressure among men. The risk was of comparable magnitude to that observed for age and sedentary behavior. Men and women with low levels of social support at work appeared to be at higher risk for increases in blood pressure.

FIGURE 1—

Adjusted risk ratios for systolic blood pressure increases in the highest quintile according to job strain and known high blood pressure risk factors among men in Quebec City, 1991–2003. Note. The models included the following covariates: age, body mass index, social support at work, living with a child, number of years working for the organization, and baseline systolic blood pressure value. Known high blood pressure risk factors were also controlled for job strain. *P < .05 compared with > 35 years of age and never exposed.