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Bad Bosses May Be Deadly

Crummy leaders linked to workers' heart attacks

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 26, 2008 5:32 AM CST
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(Newser) – 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.

Alec Baldwin plays boss Jack Donaghy in a scene with Tina Fey from 30 Rock. A new study says real life bad bosses who act like Donaghy are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks in workers.
Alec Baldwin plays boss Jack Donaghy in a scene with Tina Fey from "30 Rock." A new study says real life bad bosses who act like Donaghy are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks in workers.   (AP Photo/NBC, Mitchell Haaseth)
A patient is examined by a cardiologist at the Medical College of Georgia Cardiovascular Center. A new study says difficult bosses are linked to an increased risk of heart attack.
A patient is examined by a cardiologist at the Medical College of Georgia Cardiovascular Center. A new study says difficult bosses are linked to an increased risk of heart attack.   (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
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For all of those who work under managers who they perceive behave strangely, and they feel stressed, the study confirms this might actually be a health risk. And they should take it seriously.
- Anna Nyberg, psychologist at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
maevealleine
Nov 25, 2008 11:06 PM CST
Oh dear, now Im gonna have a heart attack.

Stress of bad bosses can cause heart attacks
Associated Press

Incompetent bosses equal unhealthy employees
Washington Post

 
smoking • stress • heart attack • exercise • leadership • bosses • employees • Brigham and Women's Hospital • workload

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