“Workplace Discrimination Linked to Increased Risk of Hypertension: Study Uncovers Alarming Findings”

Hypertension is a health problem that cannot be ignored. In addition to factors such as excessive sodium intake and obesity, encountering discrimination in the workplace may also be the cause of soaring blood pressure. A recent study in the United States found that people who are often discriminated against at work have a 22% to 54% higher risk of developing high blood pressure than their peers who are less discriminated against.

Follow up wage earners for 8 years

The study published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association” began in 2004 and spent 8 years following up more than 1,200 wage earners who did not have blood pressure problems, did not smoke, and drank less alcohol, in order to understand the relationship between workplace discrimination and relationship to high blood pressure. Discrimination in the workplace refers to unequal conditions or treatment due to individuals at work. All participants are required to fill out a detailed questionnaire to report whether there is any unfair treatment.

Risk increased by 12% to 54%

The results showed that 319 of the participants developed high blood pressure during the follow-up period. Compared with those who experienced less workplace discrimination, those who experienced moderate discrimination had a 22% higher risk of developing hypertension, and those who faced severe discrimination had a 22% higher risk of developing high blood pressure. The risk was 54% higher.

Researchers believe that the working environment has a great impact on a person’s overall health. The stress brought about by long-term discrimination will weaken the cardiovascular system due to continuous stress, resulting in an increase in overall blood pressure and may even damage cardiovascular health. Therefore, I appeal to the migrant workers to pay attention, and face up to any discrimination or bullying as soon as possible.

Originally published on AM730