Investigating the link between long working hours and heart disease risk in the U.S.
Official title: Do long working hours increase the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality? Evidence from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey 1997-2015
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10932097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into whether working long hours can lead to a higher risk of heart disease and is for anyone interested in how their job might affect their heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,796 |
| NIH project number | 5R21OH012446-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include U.S. workers who have reported long working hours, particularly those working over 55 hours per week.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently employed or those who work part-time hours may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines whether long working hours contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the U.S. population. By analyzing data from the National Health Interview Survey collected between 1997 and 2015, the study aims to identify patterns and correlations between work hours and heart disease outcomes. The approach involves secondary data analysis, utilizing a comprehensive dataset that includes demographic information, working conditions, and health status. This investigation seeks to fill a critical gap in understanding how work-related factors may impact heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved workplace policies and health interventions aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease risk among workers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in European populations has shown a significant association between long working hours and increased CVD mortality, suggesting that similar findings may be expected in the U.S.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jian — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Li, Jian
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.