Burnout - occupational burnout syndrome: Increased risk of heart disease, stroke

Burnout - occupational exhaustion syndrome, is not a normal psychological manifestation but can promote the risk of depression, heart disease and stroke.

The pressure of the race to meet expectations of early success

Ms. HTLĐ (25 years old, living in Ho Chi Minh City) is an office worker, suffering from headaches, dizziness, and transient numbness on the right side of her body. Previously, Ms. Đ. often suffered from prolonged fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and constant insomnia due to work pressure.

After examination at Gia An 115 Hospital, the assessment results showed that she had severe burnout with anxiety disorder and a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Typical signs of burnout syndrome include persistent fatigue, difficulty sleeping, headaches, rapid heartbeat...

Illustration: AI

Specialist Doctor Duong Thi Hong Nhung, Head of the Department of Neurology - Stroke, Gia An 115 Hospital, said that Ms. D's case is an early warning sign of stroke risk, especially when combined with chronic stress and sleep disorders. Patients need to be closely monitored to prevent cerebrovascular complications and protect neurological health.

According to Dr. Hong Nhung, the number of young people diagnosed with burnout syndrome and anxiety disorders has recently increased significantly. Although the group of office workers aged 20-40 is the main target, the disease has happened to anyone, regardless of their profession. This situation reflects the increasing pressure that young people are under from studying and working; along with the imbalance in life due to many objective and subjective reasons - especially the "long-distance race" to meet the expectation of early success.

Burnout can be damaging to both physical and mental health.

Dr. Bui Pham Minh Man, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital , Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, said that burnout can cause serious damage to both physical and mental health.

“Burnout increases the activity of the HPA axis, leading to chronic hypersecretion of cortisol. When cortisol levels remain high for a long time, the body will experience a series of disorders such as imbalance of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, glucose metabolism disorders, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders and immunosuppression,” Dr. Minh Man explained.

In addition, according to Dr. Man, brain imaging studies also show that burnout may be related to mild atrophy of the hippocampus and reduced activity of the prefrontal cortex - areas responsible for memory and emotional regulation.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology (USA) in 2021 showed that people with burnout are 2.5 times more likely to develop depression and have a 20-40% increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to the group without burnout.

“Burnout - occupational burnout syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 21-27%, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and stroke. This condition is also associated with insomnia, obesity and immunodeficiency,” added Dr. Hong Nhung. To be continued

Typical signs of burnout syndrome include physical and mental exhaustion, prolonged fatigue, difficulty sleeping, headaches, rapid heartbeat, digestive disorders, and susceptibility to illness. At work, they are easily distracted, easily confused, and have no motivation. In addition, there are negative emotions, separation, depression, apathy, loss of interest in work, and irritability; accompanied by feelings of uselessness or failure because of always feeling inferior, incompetent, and stuck...

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/burnout-hoi-chung-kiet-suc-nghe-nghiep-lam-tang-nguy-co-benh-tim-dot-quy-185250818224902548.htm