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Woman's job may hurt her heart

BOSTON, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Women with highly stressful jobs are 40 percent more likely to develop heart disease than their less-stressed colleagues, a U.S. newsletter says.

The February issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch says it is unclear how job strain worsens cardiac health in women.

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However, the stress may aggravate inflammation in coronary arteries, leading to blood clots. In addition, stress makes it harder to practice heart-healthy habits, such as exercising, eating right, not smoking and getting enough sleep, the newsletter says.

"Stress-induced heart disease isn't unique to the workplace. Many women have multiple jobs such as caring for children and for aging parents, while running a household and working outside the home -- without the resources to manage them all," Harvard Women's Health Watch says.

These situations may be unavoidable, but there are ways to alleviate stress including:

-- Foster mutually supportive relationships.

-- Get regular exercise. It strengthens the heart, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves sleep.

-- Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing.

-- Seek help from a mental-health professional.

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