New Delhi: Doctors often witness the daily pressures of jobs through their patients experiencing stress-induced heart dysrhythmias (e.g., irregular heartbeat, palpitations, etc.). Therefore, in an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Haresh Mehta, Director of Interventional & Structural Cardiology at S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mumbai—a Fortis Associate, shared some of the causes of stress-induced work-related heart dysrhythmias and some simple strategies you can implement to help prevent them.
The most common sources of work stress:
Numerous sources of work stress can contribute to developing work-related heart dysrhythmias. Some common sources include having high workloads, long hours, poor management, unclear roles, and tight deadlines. These variables create high levels of confusion and anxiety in professionals, largely due to the unknown factors related to these pressures; additionally, poor job stability/lack of support can exacerbate these challenges. Other sources of stress that can contribute to work-related heart dysrhythmias include a toxic work environment, difficult co-workers, and frequent changes in culture/structure (e.g., layoffs). Loneliness is becoming rampant with busy careers and shifting cities; people don’t have time for friends or family.
Factors that spark arrhythmias:
Stress-induced cortisol and adrenaline surges irritate the heart’s electrical system, causing atrial fibrillation (AFib) or premature ventricular contraction (PVC) skips. Every day, poor habits amplify this. Too much coffee acts like a jolt, raising heart rate and triggering flutters, especially on an empty stomach or late at night. The effects of work-related stress, like skipping meals, chronic dehydration, and sleep deprivation, can further increase the risk for developing work-related heart dysrhythmias. With Gen Z weekend party culture, binge drinking adds to the heart’s exhaustion, where neither you nor your heart catches a break.
Easy ways to find balance for your heart: Your heart likes balance, and so small changes have a big impact on you.
- Use your smartwatch to track your heart rate and have your doctor assess you regularly
- Use the 4-7-8 breathing method to help control stress
- Meditate for a minimum of 10-20 minutes every day
- Walk every day and eat heart-friendly foods, like salads or nuts
- Cut back on coffee to one or two cups a day
- Prioritise 7 hours of sleep
- Spend quality time with your loved ones
- Try to set boundaries at work for lasting calm
Listening to these signals early can help prevent minor rhythm disturbances from progressing into more serious cardiac concerns. Persistent palpitations, dizziness, unexplained fatigue, chest discomfort, or breathlessness should never be ignored and warrant timely medical evaluation. While lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in reducing risk, appropriate clinical assessment ensures that underlying conditions are identified and managed correctly.
In an increasingly demanding work culture, protecting heart health requires conscious effort and sustained balance. Recognising stress as a medical risk factor, not merely an emotional state, is the first step toward prevention. A proactive approach today can safeguard long-term cardiovascular well-being.
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