Impact of Working from Home on Cardiovascular Health: An Emerging Issue with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 12;18(22):11882. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182211882.

Abstract

Mandatory working from home is one of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for a large number of workers. Transition to working from home may significantly impact lifestyle, psychosocial status, and the overall health of workers. This review summarizes available data about the effects of lockdown measures, particularly working from home, on cardiovascular risk factors including sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet pattern, psychological distress, smoking, alcohol misuse, and cardiometabolic parameters. Finally, we suggest countermeasures that can attenuate the negative health impact of working from home. Indeed, timely and tailored interventions implemented by companies in cooperation with the health care system could allow workers to benefit more from some of the advantages associated with working from home.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; cardiovascular disease; diet pattern; lifestyle; physical activity; sedentary behavior; working from home.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Pandemics*
  • SARS-CoV-2