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Is there a tie between job loss and heart attacks?

Posted at 6:24 PM, Nov 19, 2012
and last updated 2012-11-19 18:24:12-05

Unemployment isn’t just hard on you financially. It may also be bad for your health.

Researchers at Duke University looked at thousands of Americans and found that those who are unemployed are at a greater risk of suffering a heart attack.

For those who have lost their jobs multiple times, the effect on their health is the same as smoking or having diabetes or high blood pressure.

The study did not look at the reasons behind the increased risk, but its authors say stress likely plays a major role.

Doctors also say when someone loses their job they often lose health insurance, which may make them less likely to visit the doctor.