We wanted to investigate the relationship between job stress and high-sensitivity C-reactive proteins (hsCRP) with a view to using them as a predictor of future cardiovascular events.

The study subjects were 155 male bank workers. A structured, self-assesment questionnaire was used to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics and job stress of the participants. Seven levels of job stress, as described in the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF), were used to categorized the participants. We included tests for blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, blood lipid level (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides), and hsCRP in our analysis. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to determine an association between job stress and cardiovascular risk factors including hsCRP.

In the multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for general and job characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors, interpersonal conflict (adjusted OR 1.69, 95% CI=1.11~2.57), job insecurity (adjusted OR 1.94, 95% CI=1.24~3.03) and, occupational climate (adjusted OR 1.89, 95% CI=1.19~3.01) were associated with hsCRP.

This study suggests that job stress is associated with hsCRP which is a predictor of future cardiovascular events.