A study by experts in United States has suggested that women holding positions with an increased level of job strain are 40% more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases in contrast to women, who happen to hold posts which are not as strenuous. Apart from the increased risk of suffering from heart ailments, it has been estimated by researchers that the chances of suffering a heart attack increased by 88% in such women.

The study saw researchers following 17,415 women for a time period encompassing more than a decade by experts from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Apart from a strenuous job, it was also found that job insecurity also led to an increased risk of women suffering from heart diseases.

According to one of the researchers involved in the study, Dr. Michelle Albert, it seemed like job stress effected both short and long-term health of persons heart. She stressed the need of employers keeping a check on the stress levels of their employees, as low stress levels would be beneficial for both, the Company and the individual.

Absenteeism, low productivity and a lack of competitiveness are a result of high stress levels at work, which can mar the performance of a person. Prior to this study, earlier research work has usually emphasized job stress among men.