Being in a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion for a very long period of time, is linked to a potentially deadly heart rhythm disturbances, says a study which emphasizes on the need for new interventions to reduce work related stress.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) , this type of burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic work related stress that has not been addressed and managed over a long period of time.

Scientists surveyed over 11,000 middle and older-aged adults for the presence of exhaustion, anger, antidepressant use, and poor social support. They were monitored for almost 25 years for the development of atrial fibrillation which may increase the risk of strokes, heart failure and other cardiac complications.

It was found that participants with highest levels of burnout were at 20% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation over the course of follow-up, compared to those with little or no evidence of vital exhaustion.