Cardiovascular alterations and night shift work disorder in nurses: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of death in Mexican adults.
• Night shift work disorder (NSWD) is a potential risk factor for CVD.
• Nurses frequently work night shifts, exposing them to potential health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the existing literature on the association between CVD and NSWD in nurses.
• To determine if there is a documented link between night shift work and cardiovascular health outcomes in the nursing profession.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of research articles was conducted using the PubMed database.
• The review focused on studies investigating both CVD and NSWD specifically within the nursing population.
• Sixty-eight relevant articles were initially identified for analysis.

Main Results:

• Four of the reviewed studies found a statistically significant association between CVD and NSWD in nurses.
• Evidence suggests that altered circadian rhythms and demanding work schedules contribute to this potential link.
• A mild association between night shift work and cardiovascular disease was identified.

Conclusions:

• There is a possible mild association between night shift work disorder and cardiovascular diseases in nurses.
• Circadian cycle disruptions and work schedules inherent to nursing may underlie this association.
• Developing preventive strategies and early diagnostic/treatment measures for night shift nurses is crucial to mitigate CVD risk.