Shift Work as a Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Occupational Health
• Chronobiology

Background:

• Shift work is a growing health concern linked to circadian rhythm disruption.
• Existing research indicates a connection between shift work and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• There is a need for updated reviews on the impact of shift work on CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive summary of recent research (2013-2023) on shift work and CVD.
• To identify knowledge gaps in the current understanding of shift work's impact on cardiovascular health.
• To highlight areas for future research concerning shift work and CVD.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed articles.
• Searched databases for studies published between January 2013 and January 2023.
• Focused on research linking shift work to cardiovascular disease markers and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Shift work is associated with increased carotid artery plaque, arterial stiffness, and intima-media thickness (IMT), indicating atherosclerosis progression.
• Shift work may elevate inflammatory markers and DNA damage, contributing to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
• Shift work is suggested as a risk factor for CVD, alongside hypertension, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles.

Conclusions:

• Shift work is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, contributing to atherosclerosis.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms linking shift work to CVD.
• Investigating mitigating strategies for shift work-related CVD, like diet and exercise, is crucial.