According to a large British study involving nearly 10,000 workers, going to work while sick—even with a minor illness like a cold—may significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Researchers from University College London followed civil servants for over ten years, comparing sickness attendance (“presenteeism”) with long-term health outcomes.
The study found that 30–40% of employees who routinely worked while ill had roughly double the incidence of coronary heart disease compared to those who took time off to recover. The researchers attributed the increased risk primarily to stress, which places additional strain on the cardiovascular system when the body is already compromised by illness.
Paul Sellers of the Trades Union Congress noted that workplace culture plays a role, stating that many employees—especially those working long hours—feel pressure to attend work because promotion and job security are often tied to visibility rather than health. The study’s lead author, Michael Marmot, emphasized that many workers are unaware of the long-term damage they may be causing by ignoring illness and pushing through.
