Shift work is possible even after a heart attack

Shift work after heart attack still possible

17/02/2014

Employees are often advised after a heart attack not to continue working in shifts. An expert now explains that it is not always the best idea for those affected to do the shiftwork.

Do not rush shift service
After a heart attack, employees are often advised not to continue working in shifts. However, leaving it prematurely is not always the best solution, as Michael Nasterlack from the German Association for Occupational Medicine (DGAUM) explained. Because those affected would then have to change their team and might get assigned to a task for which they are less interested. Often, this results in more stress on shift workers than if they were to stay in their old workplace.

Do not smoke after heart attack
Those who like working shifts should therefore ideally first consult a doctor to see if he has any concerns. If the doctor does not object, the employee should pay more attention to keeping further stress on the heart as low as possible. Shift workers, for example, should stop smoking after a heart attack and do 30 minutes of endurance sports at least twice a week. For swimming or cycling would be well suited. In addition, obese people should best slowly reduce their weight.

Shift work poses a health risk
Shift work generally carries an increased health risk compared to working at regular working hours. This is especially true if rework is included. Due to the irregular working hours, it can come to sleep disorders. In addition, shift work encourages the risk of developing diabetes, as US researchers have found. Other disorders commonly associated with (night) shift work include headache, stomach ulcers, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. (Ad)