Research conducted since the end of WWII into the causes of hypertension and coronary heart disease has identified a number of important risk factors that contribute to the development of these illnesses such as excessive caloric and fat intake leading to obesity and elevated blood cholesterol, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all of which contribute to atherosclerosis. Recently, attention has focused on the workplace as a potential source of stressors that might contribute to the development of hypertension. Job decision latitude is defined as both the ability to use skills on the job and the decision-making authority available to the worker. In some recent studies, this model was expanded to include a third factor - the beneficial effects of workplace social support.
Considerable evidence exists linking 'job strain' to hypertension and coronary heart disease.
The issue of job stress is of utmost importance to the public health community and working people. Most importantly, there is the potential for preventing much illness and death. More than 50 million Americans have high blood pressure, and, in 95 percent of cases, the cause is unknown. 1 Schnall PL, Landsbergis PA, Baker D. Job Strain and Cardiovascular Disease. Job Strain and Hypertension.