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Bad Bosses May Be Deadly
Crummy leaders linked to workers' heart attacks
By Peter Fearon
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Posted Nov 26, 08 5:32 AM CST
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(Newser)
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Your incompetent boss could give you a heart attack, the Boston Globe reports. New research shows workers whose bosses are inconsiderate, uncommunicative and poor advocates for their employees are about 60% more likely to suffer a heart attack or other serious cardiac issues. Employees whose bosses have solid leadership skills are 40% less likely to develop heart problems, according to the study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
The stress of working for lousy bosses can crank up blood pressure and trigger the release of hormones that induce blot clots and harden arteries, according to researchers. The bad-boss factor caused more health problems for employees than smoking, lack of exercise, high cholesterol, or being overweight. At least one cardiologist said the study has prompted him to ask patients more questions about their work environment.