Sex difference in cardiac performance in individuals with irregular shift work

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Chronobiology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Sex differences in behavioral adaptation to circadian disruption are known.
• Cardiac performance implications of circadian disruption remain under-investigated using cardiac imaging.
• Previous research has not fully explored sex-based variations in cardiac function under shift work conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex differences in cardiac function among day shift (DS) and irregular shift (IRS) workers.
• To identify how circadian rhythm disruption impacts cardiac performance in relation to sex.
• To utilize cardiac imaging to assess cardiac function in shift workers.

Main Methods:

• 130 patients were categorized into DS and IRS groups.
• Clinical data and cardiac imaging parameters were compared between groups.
• Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) and left ventricular function were assessed.

Main Results:

• Male IRS workers showed significantly lower GLS compared to male DS workers.
• No significant differences in left ventricular function were observed in females between groups.
• Males had a 2.67-fold higher risk of impaired GLS than females, with males in the IRS group having a 3.14-fold higher risk than females in the IRS group.

Conclusions:

• Chronic circadian disruption from irregular shift work leads to cardiac dysfunction.
• Significant sex differences exist in the impact of circadian rhythm disruption on cardiac function.
• Findings can inform work schedule adjustments and prevention strategies for shift workers to mitigate cardiac risks.