A recent study shows that there is link between working overtime and increased risk of hypertension. The study, published in the Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, supports earlier studies conducted by Japanese researchers as a result of the rising number of sudden deaths among Japanese business executives.

Based on the survey of more than 20,000 workers aged from 18-64, those who spend more than 51 hours of office work every week are 29% more likely to suffer hypertension compared to those who worked for just about 39 hours per week. Workers doing clerical works are more prone to having high blood pressure, the researchers also found out. The recent study, however does not say that working overtime directly causes hypertension. There are other factors affecting the health of these overworked workers such as their economic status and how they take care of themselves.

Whether working overtime directly lead to hypertension and other health problems or not, it’s clear though that it doesn’t help us live a balanced life. We tend to ignore more important things such as our family when we work too hard. Yes, more work can mean higher pay, but remember, there things money can’t buy.