Work stress linked to heart attacks - Yahoo! UK & Ireland News High-pressure work deadlines can cause a six-fold increase in the risk of suffering a heart attack in the following 24 hours. Click the link above for the full report. What is Stress? Stress is NOT an illness and not all stress is bad for you.  Stress is actually defined by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) as the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or types of demand put on them.  Stress is a reaction not an illness but, its effects manifest themselves as physical and mental conditions.  This could be anything from anxiety and/or depression to physical ill health such as heart disease. TUC Figures Released on 2 February 2002 show a huge increase in claims for stress in the workplace. In 1999 only 519 employees made claims, in 2000 the number rose to over 6,400, an enormous increase. A National Stress Awareness Day in 2001 reported over half of all workers say they have experienced stress at work during the last year, and one in four said they needed time off because of it. Research indicates that too much work is the most common cause of stress, followed by deadline pressures, unsupportive work environment and striking a balance between work and home. What the Law Says In 2002 the Court of Appeal found that employers are not liable for causing stress but may be liable for ill health caused by stress. A good employment lawyer will help you through the maze of rules and regulations in this area.