Shift Work and Cardiovascular Disease

Authors : Samime ŞARLI GÜNDÜZ, Selma Arzu VARDAR

Pages : 172-177

Doi:10.31832/smj.939866

View : 20 | Download : 6

Publication Date : 2022-03-18

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :Shift work has become a necessity in many industries; however, the shift work system disrupts the endogenous circadian rhythm by changing the sleep-wake cycle and can prepare the ground for cardiovascular diseases. Shift workers are exposed to risk factors for cardiovascular events such as hypertension, overweight, hypercholesterolemia, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Furthermore, it is thought that changes occur in the concentrations of melatonin, cortisol, ghrelin, and leptin due to the night shift work, and this is associated with the change in the circadian rhythm. Shift work causes disturbances in insulin and lipid metabolism by changing the eating pattern. In addition, it is predicted that shift work may be a factor to increase in inflammatory markers and thrombocyte hypersensitivity, and thus higher risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Due to the shift work is widely used in many sectors, reconsidering some precautions can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Recently, it has been shown that exercise can be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in shift workers. The aim of this review is to determine the relationship with cardiovascular diseases and shift work system.
Keywords : shift work, circadian rhytm, cardiovascular disease risk