Job strain and masked hypertension

Psychosom Med. 2010 Oct;72(8):786-93. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0b013e3181eaf327. Epub 2010 Jul 16.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether psychosocial work characteristics are associated with the prevalence of masked hypertension in a population of white collar workers.

Methods: White-collar workers were recruited from three public organizations. Blood pressure (BP) was measured at the workplace for manual measurements (mean of the first three readings taken by a trained assistant) followed by ambulatory measurements (mean of all subsequent readings taken during the working day). Masked hypertension (MH) was defined as manual BP <140/90 mm Hg, and ambulatory BP ≥135/85 mm Hg. Job strain was evaluated, using the quadrant method for exposure assessment, as well as alternative formulations.

Results: BP measurements were obtained from 2,357 workers (80% participation, 61% women; mean age, 44 years). For men, being in the active group (high psychological demands and high decision latitude) was associated with MH (adjusted odds ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-3.31). No significant association with a higher prevalence of MH was observed in women.

Conclusion: MH is associated with job strain in men. Workers in "active" job situations may be more likely to have the condition.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Blood Pressure Determination / methods
  • Blood Pressure Determination / statistics & numerical data*
  • Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / diagnosis*
  • Hypertension / epidemiology*
  • Income / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking / psychology
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Work / psychology*