Shift Work and Cardiovascular Disease

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 at risk of some chronic disorders such as hypertension, elevated serum lipids and body weight, cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke and metabolic syndrome. 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. In this condition, 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.