Occupational Stress: The Influence of Obesity and Physical Activity/Fitness on Immune Function

摘要

Abstract: Occupational stress can affect physiological and psychological homeostasis. In addition, the occupational challenges associated with firefighting and law enforcement have been linked to increased mortality ratios for ischemic heart disease when compared with other population cohorts. Laboratory studies have shown that the exacerbation of stress hormones (eg, catecholamines) following dual challenge (physical and psychological stress) may affect immune system responses, which may partially explain the link between cardiovascular disease and inflammation. Physical fitness has been shown to attenuate both cardiovascular and inflammatory cytokine responses following physical and/or psychological stress; however, criteria for safe and effective occupation-specific fitness levels have not been established. In addition, firefighters and police officers have high overweight and obesity rates, which also contribute significantly to the development of cardiovascular disease.