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Returning from a stressful day at work to a supportive partner reduces the blood pressure built up over the day, according to a new study by the University Of Toronto, Canada. Scientists monitored 216 men and women for a year. Those with stressful jobs but close relationships saw blood pressure fall. Researchers monitored doctors, nurses, administrators, maintenance workers and visitors at the University Of Toronto Health Sciences Center. All were aged 40 to 65, employed, and had been living with a partner for the previous six months. At the beginning of the study, everyone's blood pressure was monitored for 24 hours over the course of a working day. No one in the study was being treated for high blood pressure. Participants were also assessed to see how demanding their jobs were. The key components of job strain were found to be a highly demanding job where the person had little control over what they did. Another test was used to evaluate "marital cohesion". The same checks were carried out a year later. Those who had a demanding job combined with support at home saw a small fall in blood pressure levels over the year. The researchers say the findings are significant because blood pressure tends to rise as people age. Those who had stressful jobs and a lack of support at home did see the expected rise. (GES/WNWCCB/IG)
(c) 2004 World Entertainment News Network
