Burnout Syndrome can lead to heart related-disease

Jan 18, 2020

New Delhi, Jan 19 (ANI): A major study published in the European Cardiology Bulletin found that Burnout syndrome that makes people feel overly tired, energy-free, demoralised and irritable can lead to a possibly deadly rhythm of the heart. Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of heart arrhythmia, which increases their risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Yet, what causes atrial fibrillation is not fully understood. Psychological distress has been suggested as a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, but previous studies showed mixed results. In addition, until now, the specific association between vital exhaustion and atrial fibrillation had not been evaluated. The researchers in this study surveyed more than 11,000 individuals for the presence of vital exhaustion, anger, antidepressant use, and poor social support. They then followed them over a period of nearly 25 years for the development of atrial fibrillation. Participants with the highest levels of vital exhaustion were at a 20% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation as compared to those with little to no evidence of vital exhaustion. While further study is needed to better understand the observed relationship.