Many people consider overwork to be normal, even part of a productive lifestyle. High goals, tight deadlines , and demands are sometimes seen as indicators of success. However, the body has a limited capacity to adapt to physical and mental stress.
In the medical world, persistent overwork can trigger chronic stress and burnout . This condition is not simply fatigue, but a biological process that can trigger physiological changes in the body and increase the risk of serious illnesses, including stroke. In other words, the fact that overwork can cause stroke is not a myth, but a real risk that develops slowly and often goes unnoticed.
How Overwork Impacts Your Health
Overwork is characterized by long hours, high stress, and minimal rest. In the long term, this condition takes a toll on the body both physically and mentally.
Chronic exposure to stress due to overwork triggers an increase in stress hormones like cortisol. If this continues, this condition can lead to:
- Increased blood pressure (hypertension).
- Chronic inflammation in the body.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Decreased sleep quality.
According to the World Health Organization, excessive working hours (≥55 hours per week) can increase the risk of stroke by 35% and heart disease by 17%. This confirms that overwork as a cause of stroke is not merely an assumption, but has been proven to have a significant impact on health.
Stroke as a Serious Medical Condition that Can Occur Suddenly Due to Overwork
A stroke is a condition where blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). This disruption can cause permanent damage to brain tissue.
Stroke is often thought to occur suddenly. However, in many cases, this condition is the result of a long process involving various risk factors, such as:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Chronic stress due to overwork
This combination of factors makes it clear that overwork causes stroke through a gradual mechanism, not an instantaneous event.
Signs of Stroke to Watch Out For with the "Go to the Hospital Immediately" Method
Recognizing stroke symptoms early is crucial to prevent more serious consequences. Use the following Go to the Hospital Immediately method:
- Se ( Asymmetrical smile ) : The face appears to slant to one side when smiling, may be accompanied by difficulty swallowing or sudden choking.
- Ge ( Ge is weak ): Sudden weakness occurs on one side of the body, either the arm or the leg.
- Ra (Disturbed Speech ) : Speech becomes unclear, slurred, difficulty speaking, or not understanding conversation
- Ke ( Ke bas): A sudden feeling of numbness, tingling, or pins and needles on one side of the body.
- R ( Ra bun) : Vision becomes blurry or decreases suddenly, especially in one eye
- S ( S headache and balance disorder) : Severe headache appears suddenly, may be accompanied by dizziness, body instability, or difficulty coordinating movements.
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment is crucial for a faster recovery from stroke.
Workers' Lifestyles That Unknowingly Increase the Risk of Stroke and How to Prevent It
Without realizing it, there are several daily habits workers have that can increase their risk of stroke, especially when combined with overwork . Here's an explanation:
1. Irregular Sleep Patterns
Lack of sleep or inconsistent sleep patterns can disrupt hormonal balance and increase blood pressure. In the long term, this condition contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke. To prevent this, maintaining an ideal sleep duration of around 7–9 hours per night and establishing a regular sleep routine are essential to allow the body optimal recovery time.
2. Sitting Too Long and Lack of Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle , such as sitting in front of a computer for extended periods without breaks, can slow blood circulation and increase the risk of plaque formation or atherosclerosis in blood vessels. This condition is a factor that increases the risk of stroke. The solution is to make time for 150-300 minutes of movement per week, doing light stretching, or taking short walks to keep blood flowing smoothly.
3. Unbalanced Diet
Busy work schedules often lead people to choose fast food that's high in salt, saturated fat, and low in fiber. This type of diet can trigger hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity, which are risk factors for stroke. Therefore, it's important to maintain a healthy nutritional intake by increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruit, and healthy proteins, and reducing processed foods.
4. Excessive Caffeine Consumption
Relying on coffee or caffeinated beverages to maintain productivity can have negative consequences if consumed excessively. High amounts of caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, especially when combined with stress. As a preventative measure, limit your daily caffeine consumption and balance it with water and adequate rest to naturally maintain stable energy levels.
5. Smoking and Alcohol
Some workers use smoking or alcohol as an escape from work pressure. However, these two habits can damage blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, which can lead to stroke. Replacing these habits with healthier options like exercise, meditation, or relaxation activities can help manage stress without increasing health risks.
6. Ignoring Signs of Fatigue
Many people ignore bodily signals like persistent fatigue, headaches, or sleep disturbances as normal. However, these conditions can be early signs of a more serious health problem. It's important to be more aware of your body's condition, get enough rest, and have regular health check-ups to prevent the risk of stroke early.
All of the above factors strengthen the relationship between overwork as a cause of stroke, not only regarding working hours, but also lifestyle that needs to be considered.
When is Early Examination and Consultation with a Doctor Necessary?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience stroke symptoms such as facial drooping, difficulty speaking, weakness on one side of the body, or a sudden, severe headache. Prompt treatment is crucial to minimizing brain damage and improving the chances of recovery, so even the slightest symptoms should not be ignored, especially if you have a busy work schedule and high stress levels.
In addition to emergencies, early screening is also recommended for those experiencing prolonged stress, chronic sleep disorders, high blood pressure, or signs of burnout due to overwork. Consulting a doctor helps identify risk factors early and provides appropriate treatment, thus minimizing the potential for overwork to cause stroke before it develops into a more serious condition.
Article written by Dr. Mia Rahmawati, Sp.N (Neurology Specialist Doctor at EMC Sentul Hospital).