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[Endothelial dysfunction in cardiologists after 24 hours on call]
Raymid García-Fernández1, Javier García Pérez-Velasco, Ariadna Concepción Milián
1Instituto de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular. La Habana. Cuba.
Revista Espanola De Cardiologia
|November 9, 2002
Summary
Twenty-four hours on call in a cardiology emergency room significantly impairs endothelial function. This stress reduces brachial artery dilation, indicating a negative impact on vascular health in physicians.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endothelial Function Assessment
- Medical Stress Research
Context:
- Physicians working in emergency settings face prolonged stress and sleep deprivation.
- Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of cardiovascular disease.
- High-resolution ultrasonography is a validated method for assessing vascular function.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of 24-hour on-call duty in a cardiology emergency room on endothelial function.
- To assess changes in brachial artery diameter and dilation response post-stress.
Summary:
- Fifteen young physicians underwent assessments after a normal sleep and after 24 hours on call without sleep.
- On-call duty resulted in elevated blood pressure and reduced brachial artery diameter.
- Endothelial-dependent vasodilation after hyperemia was significantly blunted (3.35% vs. 11.34%) following on-call stress, while nitroglycerin response remained unchanged.
Impact:
- Acute stress from extended work hours in emergency cardiology significantly impairs endothelial function.
- Findings highlight potential long-term cardiovascular risks for physicians in demanding clinical roles.
- Suggests a need for interventions to mitigate the effects of work-related stress on physician health.