Research Plus

Shiftwork increases coronary risks

Shift work is associated with a significant, albeit relatively small, increased risk of both myocardial infarction (risk ratio (RR) = 1.23) and ischaemic stroke (RR = 1.05) according to a systematic review and meta-analysis (34 included studies, covering more than 2 million people). The risk of ‘any coronary event’ also increases with shiftwork (RR = 1.24), though there was substantial heterogeneity in the data. Nightshifts were associated with the largest increased risk of coronary events (RR = 1.41). The authors suggest that a combination of unhealthy behaviours, impaired sleep quality, poorer work–life balance and disruption to the circadian rhythm may explain the raised risks.

 

BMJ 2012; 345:e4800 doi: 10.1136/bmj.e4800. http://www.bmj.com/content/345/bmj.e4800

Tags evidence based practice shiftwork sleep

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2012 (vol. 09/3) pp40