Working just one 10-hour day weekly raises the chance of stroke by almost a third, say French researchers, who point out many health workers would be in the risky category.

Those who worked long hours for more than a decade were at the greatest risk of stroke, with long hours defined as working 10 hours or longer for more than 50 days a year.

Lead author Professor Alexis Descatha, a specialist in occupational health and a researcher at Paris Hospital, Versailles, said healthcare workers could be among those at risk.

“I would also emphasise that many healthcare providers work much more than the definition of long working hours and may also be at higher risk of stroke,” Dr Descatha said.