Research carried out at the University of Stockholm, and published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, has found that employees who fail to complain about unfair treatment at work double their risk of heart attack or dying from heart disease.
Keeping things bottled up - 'covert coping' - greatly increases the likelihood of poor health, according to the researchers. Employees, particularly men, who confront colleagues and bosses about workplace disputes are at a much lower risk of heart problems.
Covert copers were asked how they dealt with stress. Methods included not saying anything, walking away from conflict, developing head or stomach ache, or losing their temper later at home.
Judy O'Sullivan, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Stress itself is not a risk factor for heart disease, but some people's responses to stress, such as smoking or overeating, can increase the risk."
So it's official - next time your boss winds you up, just let them know what you think of them. And don't worry about the aftermath - tell them it's a health matter.
