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Shafer BM, Kogan SA, McHill AW. Pressure Building Against the Clock: The Impact of Circadian Misalignment on Blood Pressure. Curr Hypertens Rep 2024; 26:31-42. [PMID: 37837518 PMCID: PMC10916535 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-023-01274-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Misalignment between the endogenous biological timing system and behavioral activities (i.e., sleep/wake, eating, activity) contributes to adverse cardiovascular health. In this review, we discuss the effects of recurring circadian misalignment on blood pressure regulation and the implications for hypertension development. Additionally, we highlight emerging therapeutic approaches designed to mitigate the negative cardiovascular consequences elicited by circadian disruption. RECENT FINDINGS Circadian misalignment elicited by work schedules that require individuals to be awake during the biological night (i.e., shift work) alters 24-h blood pressure rhythms. Mechanistically, circadian misalignment appears to alter blood pressure via changes in autonomic nervous system balance, variations to sodium retention, dysregulation of endothelial vasodilatory responsiveness, and activation of proinflammatory mechanisms. Recurring circadian misalignment produced by a mismatch in sleep timing on free days vs. work days (i.e., social jetlag) appears to have no direct effects on prevailing blood pressure levels in healthy adults; though, circadian disruptions resulting from social jetlag may increase the risk of hypertension through enhanced sympathetic activation and/or obesity. Furthermore, social jetlag assessment may be a useful metric in shift work populations where the magnitude of circadian misalignment may be greater than in the general population. Circadian misalignment promotes unfavorable changes to 24-h blood pressure rhythms, most notably in shift working populations. While light therapy, melatonin supplementation, and the timing of drug administration may improve cardiovascular outcomes, interventions designed to target the effects of circadian misalignment on blood pressure regulation are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke M Shafer
- Sleep, Chronobiology, and Health Laboratory, School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, 3455 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Sophia A Kogan
- Sleep, Chronobiology, and Health Laboratory, School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, 3455 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Andrew W McHill
- Sleep, Chronobiology, and Health Laboratory, School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, 3455 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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2
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Patterson PD, Okerman TS, Roach DGL, Weaver MD, Patterson CG, Martin SE, Okwiya N, Nong L, Eyiba C, Huff JR, Ruzicka A, Ruggieri J, McIlvaine Q, Weiss LS. Effect of Short versus Long Duration Naps on Blood Pressure during Simulated Night Shift Work: A Randomized Crossover Trial. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2023; 27:815-824. [PMID: 37347964 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2023.2227891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Blunting of the sleep-related dip in blood pressure (BP) has been linked to numerous cardiovascular outcomes including myocardial infarction. Blunting of BP dipping occurs during night shift work and previous research suggest that a 60-min or longer on-shift nap is needed to restore normal/healthy BP dipping. We sought to determine the effect of different durations of napping on BP during and following simulated night shifts. We hypothesized that the greatest benefit in terms of restoration of normal BP dipping during night shift work would be observed during a longer duration nap versus a shorter nap opportunity. METHODS We used a randomized crossover laboratory-based study design. Participants consented to complete three separate 72-hr conditions that included a 12-hr simulated night shift. Nap conditions included a 30-min and 2-hr nap compared to a no-nap condition. Ambulatory BP monitoring was assessed hourly and every 10-30 mins during in-lab naps. Blunted BP dipping during in-lab naps was the primary outcome. Goal enrollment of 25 (35 with attrition) provided 80% power to detect a mean difference of 5 mmHg in BP between nap conditions. RESULTS Of the 58 screened, 28 were consented, and 26 completed all three 72-hr conditions. More than half (53.6%) were female. Mean age was 24.4 years (SD7.2). Most (85.7%) were certified as emergency medical technicians or paramedics. The mean percentage dip in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) did not differ between the 30-min and 2-hr nap conditions (p > 0.05), yet a greater proportion of participants experienced a 10-20% dip in SBP or DBP during the 2-hr nap versus the 30-min nap (p < 0.05). For every additional minute of total sleep during the 30-min nap, the percentage of SBP dip improved by 0.60%, and the percentage of DBP dip improved by 0.68% (p < 0.05). These improvements approximate to a 6% per minute relative advancement toward normal/healthy BP dipping. CONCLUSIONS Restoration of a normal/healthy dip in BP is achievable during short and long duration nap opportunities during simulated night shift work. Our findings support the hypothesis that BP dipping is more common during longer 2-hr versus shorter 30-min naps. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04469803. Registered on 9 July 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Daniel Patterson
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Emergency Medicine Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tiffany S Okerman
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Emergency Medicine Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David G L Roach
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Matthew D Weaver
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Charity G Patterson
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, SHRS Data Center, and Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah E Martin
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicholas Okwiya
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lily Nong
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Emergency Medicine Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Chinemeh Eyiba
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jordan R Huff
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Emergency Medicine Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anna Ruzicka
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Julia Ruggieri
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Quentin McIlvaine
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Emergency Medicine Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Leonard S Weiss
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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3
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Gerstner GR, Mota JA, Giuliani HK, Weaver MA, Shea NW, Ryan ED. The impact of repeated bouts of shiftwork on rapid strength and reaction time in career firefighters. ERGONOMICS 2022; 65:1086-1094. [PMID: 34882513 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.2016997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of repeated bouts of shiftwork on lower extremity maximal and rapid strength and reaction time in career firefighters. Thirty-five firefighters (3 females; 34.3 ± 9.1 years) performed a psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) and reactive maximal isometric strength assessment prior to and following a full shift rotation (three 24-hr on-off shifts). Reaction time (RT), maximal, absolute and normalised rapid strength (50, 100, 150, 200 ms), and PVT measures were assessed on-site. Separate linear regression models were used to evaluate the POST-PRE change in variables adjusted for BMI, age, sleep, and call duration. Early (50 ms) absolute rapid strength was the only variable significantly reduced (-25.9%; p = 0.031) following the full shift rotation. Our findings indicate that early rapid strength may be a sensitive measure in detecting work-related fatigue, despite minimal changes in sleep between work and non-work nights and a low call duration. Practitioner summary: We examined the impact of repeated shiftwork on changes in reaction time and neuromuscular function. Early rapid strength was a sensitive, portable lab assessment that feasibly measured work-related fatigue in career firefighters. Interventions that mitigate work-related fatigue may be impactful at preventing falls and/or risk of musculoskeletal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gena R Gerstner
- Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Jacob A Mota
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Hayden K Giuliani
- Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mark A Weaver
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Elon University, Elon, NC, USA
| | | | - Eric D Ryan
- Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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4
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Seeman T, Pfaff M, Sethna CB. Isolated nocturnal hypertension in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14192. [PMID: 34845793 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isolated nocturnal hypertension (INH) is defined as nighttime hypertension in the setting of normal daytime blood pressure (BP), diagnosed by ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). METHODS AND RESULTS Hypertension affects 60%-80% of pediatric kidney transplant recipients, and INH is the most common type of ambulatory hypertension. INH is associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension-mediated target organ damage such as left ventricular hypertrophy in adults and in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. CONCLUSION Ambulatory BP monitoring should be performed annually in all pediatric kidney transplant recipients to diagnose hypertension phenotypes that are not detectable by office BP such as masked hypertension, white-coat hypertension, or INH. Isolated nocturnal hypertension in pediatric transplant patients requires study as a treatment target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Seeman
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Munich, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mairead Pfaff
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, USA
| | - Christine B Sethna
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, USA.,Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Uniondale, New York, USA
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5
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Patterson PD, Weiss LS, Weaver MD, Salcido DD, Opitz SE, Okerman TS, Smida TT, Martin SE, Guyette FX, Martin-Gill C, Callaway CW. Napping on the night shift and its impact on blood pressure and heart rate variability among emergency medical services workers: study protocol for a randomized crossover trial. Trials 2021; 22:212. [PMID: 33726840 PMCID: PMC7962082 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05161-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an emerging body of evidence that links exposure to shift work to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The risk of coronary events, such as myocardial infarction, is greater among night shift workers compared to day workers. There is reason to believe that repeated exposure to shift work, especially night shift work, creates alterations in normal circadian patterns of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) and that these alterations contribute to increased risk of CVD. Recent data suggest that allowing shift workers to nap during night shifts may help to normalize BP and HRV patterns and, over time, reduce the risk of CVD. The risk of CVD related to shift work is elevated for emergency medical services (EMS) shift workers due in part to long-duration shifts, frequent use of night shifts, and a high prevalence of multiple jobs. METHODS We will use a randomized crossover trial study design with three study conditions. The targeted population is comprised of EMS clinician shift workers, and our goal enrollment is 35 total participants with an estimated 10 of the 35 enrolled not completing the study protocol or classified as lost to attrition. All three conditions will involve continuous monitoring over 72 h and will begin with a 36-h at-home period, followed by 24 total hours in the lab (including a 12-h simulated night shift), ending with 12 h at home. The key difference between the three conditions is the intra-shift nap. Condition 1 will involve a simulated 12-h night shift with total sleep deprivation. Condition 2 will involve a simulated 12-h night shift and a 30-min nap opportunity. Condition 3 will involve a simulated 12-h night shift with a 2-h nap opportunity. Our primary outcomes of interest include blunted BP dipping and reduced HRV as measured by the standard deviation of the inter-beat intervals of normal sinus beats. Non-dipping status will be defined as sleep hours BP dip of less than 10%. DISCUSSION Our study will address two indicators of cardiovascular health and determine if shorter or longer duration naps during night shifts have a clinically meaningful impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04469803 . Registered on 9 July 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Daniel Patterson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3600 Forbes Ave., Iroquois Building, Suite 400A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
- Division of Community Health Services, Emergency Medicine Program, University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Leonard S. Weiss
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3600 Forbes Ave., Iroquois Building, Suite 400A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Matthew D. Weaver
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Harvard Medical School, Division of Sleep Medicine, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - David D. Salcido
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3600 Forbes Ave., Iroquois Building, Suite 400A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Samantha E. Opitz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3600 Forbes Ave., Iroquois Building, Suite 400A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Tiffany S. Okerman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3600 Forbes Ave., Iroquois Building, Suite 400A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
- Division of Community Health Services, Emergency Medicine Program, University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Tanner T. Smida
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3600 Forbes Ave., Iroquois Building, Suite 400A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Sarah E. Martin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3600 Forbes Ave., Iroquois Building, Suite 400A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Francis X. Guyette
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3600 Forbes Ave., Iroquois Building, Suite 400A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Christian Martin-Gill
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3600 Forbes Ave., Iroquois Building, Suite 400A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Clifton W. Callaway
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3600 Forbes Ave., Iroquois Building, Suite 400A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
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6
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Abdalla M, Schwartz JE, Cornelius T, Chang BP, Alcántara C, Shechter A. Objective short sleep duration and 24-hour blood pressure. Int J Cardiol Hypertens 2020; 7:100062. [PMID: 33447783 PMCID: PMC7803013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchy.2020.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short sleep duration is a contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality. Short sleep duration is associated with an increased risk of high clinic blood pressure (BP). BP measured outside the clinic using 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a better predictor of an individual's CVD risk. We examined the association between objectively-assessed sleep duration and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). METHODS A total of 893 working adults underwent sleep and ABPM. Participants were fitted with an ABPM device, and measures were taken at 28-30 min intervals. Objective sleep duration, and times of wakefulness and sleep during the 24-h ABPM period were derived from wrist-worn actigraphy. Linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, smoking status, and diabetes were conducted on the relationship between sleep duration and the ABP measures. RESULTS Mean age of participants (final n = 729, 59.5% female, 11.9% Hispanic) was 45.2 ± 10.4 y. Mean actigraphy-derived sleep duration was 6.8 ± 1.2 h. Sleep duration <6 h was associated with a 1.73 mmHg higher 24-h systolic BP (p = 0.031) and 2.17 mmHg higher 24-h diastolic BP (p < 0.001). Shorter sleep duration was not associated with mean awake or asleep systolic BP (p = 0.89 and p = 0.92) or mean awake or asleep diastolic BP (p = 0.30 and p = 0.74). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the largest study conducted which assessed sleep duration objectively while measuring 24-h ABP. Shorter sleep duration is associated with higher 24-h BP and potentially cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwah Abdalla
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph E. Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Talea Cornelius
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bernard P. Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Ari Shechter
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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7
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Patterson PD, Weaver MD, Guyette FX, Martin‐Gill C. Should public safety shift workers be allowed to nap while on duty? Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:843-850. [PMID: 32761915 PMCID: PMC7540594 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fatigue and sleep deficiency among public safety personnel are threats to wellness, public and personal safety, and workforce retention. Napping strategies may reduce work-related fatigue, improve safety and health, yet in some public safety organizations it is discouraged or prohibited. Our aim with this commentary is to define intra-shift napping, summarize arguments for and against it, and to outline potential applications of this important fatigue mitigation strategy supported by evidence. We focus our discussion on emergency medical services (EMS); a key component of the public safety system, which is comprised of police, fire, and EMS. The personnel who work in EMS stand to benefit from intra-shift napping due to frequent use of extended duration shifts, a high prevalence of personnel working multiple jobs, and evidence showing that greater than half of EMS personnel report severe fatigue, poor sleep quality, inadequate inter-shift recovery, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The benefits of intra-shift napping include decreased sleepiness and fatigue, improved recovery between shifts, decreased anxiety, and reduced feelings of burnout. Intra-shift napping also mitigates alterations in clinician blood pressure associated with disturbed sleep and shift work. The negative consequences of napping include negative public perception, acute performance deficits stemming from sleep inertia, and the potential costs associated with reduced performance. While there are valid arguments against intra-shift napping, we believe that the available scientific evidence favors it as a key component of fatigue mitigation and workplace wellness. We further believe that these arguments extend beyond EMS to all sectors of public safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Daniel Patterson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
- Division of Community Health Services, Emergency Medicine Program, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - Matthew D. Weaver
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston Massachusetts
- Division of Sleep Medicine Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
| | - Francis X. Guyette
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - Christian Martin‐Gill
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
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8
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Impact of shift work on blood pressure among emergency medical services clinicians and related shift workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Health 2020; 6:387-398. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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9
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Karelius S, Vahtera J, Pentti J, Lindroos AS, Jousilahti P, Heinonen OJ, Stenholm S, Niiranen TJ. The relation of work-related factors with ambulatory blood pressure and nocturnal blood pressure dipping among aging workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2020; 93:563-570. [PMID: 31893291 PMCID: PMC7260250 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-019-01510-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Individuals with reduced nocturnal blood pressure (BP) dipping are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to persons with normal BP dipping. Although the relation of work-related factors and BP has been studied extensively, very little is known of the association between work-related factors and 24-h BP patterns in aging workers. We examined the cross-sectional relation of work-related risk factors, including occupational status, work-time mode, job demands and job control, with ambulatory BP in aging workers, focusing on nocturnal BP dipping. Methods 208 workers (mean age 62 ± 3 years; 75% women) from two Finnish population-based cohort studies underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring. Work-related factors were inquired using a questionnaire. Nocturnal BP dipping was calculated as [1 − (asleep BP/awake BP)] × 100. Results Shift workers demonstrated a higher nocturnal diastolic BP dipping than regular day workers (19% vs. 17%, p = 0.03) and had a significantly higher systolic awake BP than regular day workers (136.5 mmHg vs. 132.5 mmHg, p = 0.03). Participants with high job demands demonstrated a smaller nocturnal systolic BP dipping than participants with low job demands (14% vs. 16%, p = 0.04). We did not observe significant differences in nocturnal systolic or diastolic BP dipping between groups categorized by occupational status or job control. Conclusions Although shift workers have a higher daytime BP than regular daytime workers, they exhibit greater nighttime BP dipping. Participants with high job demand had smaller nighttime BP dipping than participants with low job demand. Job control or occupation did not affect the 24-h ambulatory BP profile of aging workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saana Karelius
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Jussi Vahtera
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaana Pentti
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annika S Lindroos
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Pekka Jousilahti
- Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli J Heinonen
- Paavo Nurmi Centre & Department of Health and Physical Activity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sari Stenholm
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Teemu J Niiranen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,Division of Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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10
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Rahimi-Moghadam S, Khanjani N, Feyzi V, Naderi M, Sadeghi H. Shift work problems of healthcare workers at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, 2013. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/johe.6.4.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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11
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Cuffless Blood Pressure Estimation Based on Data-Oriented Continuous Health Monitoring System. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2017; 2017:1803485. [PMID: 28523074 PMCID: PMC5421099 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1803485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Measuring blood pressure continuously helps monitor health and also prevent lifestyle related diseases to extend the expectancy of healthy life. Blood pressure, which is nowadays used for monitoring patient, is one of the most useful indexes for prevention of lifestyle related diseases such as hypertension. However, continuously monitoring the blood pressure is unrealistic because of discomfort caused by the tightening of a cuff belt. We have earlier researched the data-oriented blood pressure estimation without using a cuff. Remarkably, our blood pressure estimation method only uses a photoplethysmograph sensor. Therefore, the application is flexible for sensor locations and measuring situations. In this paper, we describe the implementation of our estimation method, the launch of a cloud system which can collect and manage blood pressure data measured by a wristwatch-type photoplethysmograph sensor, and the construction of our applications to visualize life-log data including the time-series data of blood pressure.
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12
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Morris CJ, Purvis TE, Mistretta J, Hu K, Scheer FAJL. Circadian Misalignment Increases C-Reactive Protein and Blood Pressure in Chronic Shift Workers. J Biol Rhythms 2017; 32:154-164. [PMID: 28347188 DOI: 10.1177/0748730417697537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Shift work is a risk factor for inflammation, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. This increased risk cannot be fully explained by classical risk factors. Shift workers' behavioral and environmental cycles are typically misaligned relative to their endogenous circadian system. However, there is little information on the impact of acute circadian misalignment on cardiovascular disease risk in shift workers, independent of differences in work stress, food quality, and other factors that are likely to differ between night and day shifts. Thus, our objectives were to determine the independent effect of circadian misalignment on 24-h high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; a marker of systemic inflammation) and blood pressure levels-cardiovascular disease risk factors-in chronic shift workers. Chronic shift workers undertook two 3-day laboratory protocols that simulated night work, comprising 12-hour inverted behavioral and environmental cycles (circadian misalignment) or simulated day work (circadian alignment), using a randomized, crossover design. Circadian misalignment increased 24-h hs-CRP by 11% ( p < 0.0001). Circadian misalignment increased 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 1.4 mmHg and 0.8 mmHg, respectively (both p ≤ 0.038). The misalignment-mediated increase in 24-h SBP was primarily explained by an increase in SBP during the wake period (+1.7 mmHg; p = 0.017), whereas the misalignment-mediated increase in 24-h DBP was primarily explained by an increase in DBP during the sleep opportunity (+1.8 mmHg; p = 0.005). Circadian misalignment per se increases hs-CRP and blood pressure in shift workers. This may help explain the increased inflammation, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease risk in shift workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Morris
- Medical Chronobiology Program, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Taylor E Purvis
- Medical Chronobiology Program, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph Mistretta
- Medical Chronobiology Program, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kun Hu
- Medical Chronobiology Program, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Frank A J L Scheer
- Medical Chronobiology Program, Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Circadian misalignment increases cardiovascular disease risk factors in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E1402-11. [PMID: 26858430 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1516953113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 402] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Shift work is a risk factor for hypertension, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. This increased risk cannot be fully explained by classic risk factors. One of the key features of shift workers is that their behavioral and environmental cycles are typically misaligned relative to their endogenous circadian system. However, there is little information on the impact of acute circadian misalignment on cardiovascular disease risk in humans. Here we show-by using two 8-d laboratory protocols-that short-term circadian misalignment (12-h inverted behavioral and environmental cycles for three days) adversely affects cardiovascular risk factors in healthy adults. Circadian misalignment increased 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 3.0 mmHg and 1.5 mmHg, respectively. These results were primarily explained by an increase in blood pressure during sleep opportunities (SBP, +5.6 mmHg; DBP, +1.9 mmHg) and, to a lesser extent, by raised blood pressure during wake periods (SBP, +1.6 mmHg; DBP, +1.4 mmHg). Circadian misalignment decreased wake cardiac vagal modulation by 8-15%, as determined by heart rate variability analysis, and decreased 24-h urinary epinephrine excretion rate by 7%, without a significant effect on 24-h urinary norepinephrine excretion rate. Circadian misalignment increased 24-h serum interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, resistin, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels by 3-29%. We demonstrate that circadian misalignment per se increases blood pressure and inflammatory markers. Our findings may help explain why shift work increases hypertension, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease risk.
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Lin H, Lin E, Auditore S, Fanning J. A Narrative Review of High-Quality Literature on the Effects of Resident Duty Hours Reforms. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2016; 91:140-50. [PMID: 26445081 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To summarize current high-quality studies evaluating the effect and efficacy of resident duty hours reforms (DHRs) on patient safety and resident education and well-being. METHOD The authors searched PubMed and Medline in August 2012 and again in May 2013 for literature (1987-2013) about the effects of DHRs. They assessed the quality of articles using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) scoring system. They considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs), partial RCTs, and all studies with a MERSQI score ≥ 14 to be "high-quality" methodology studies. RESULTS A total of 72 high-quality studies met inclusion criteria. Most studies showed no change or slight improvement in mortality and complication rates after DHRs. Resident well-being was generally improved, but there was a perceived negative impact on education (knowledge acquisition, skills, and cognitive performance) following DHRs. Eleven high-quality studies assessed the impact of DHR interventions; all reported a neutral to positive impact. Seven high-quality studies assessed costs associated with DHRs and demonstrated an increase in hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS The results of most studies that allow enough time for DHR interventions to take effect suggest a benefit to patient safety and resident well-being, but the effect on the quality of training remains unknown. Additional methodologically sound studies on the impact of DHRs are necessary. Priorities for future research include approaches to optimizing education and clinical proficiency and studies on the effect of intervention strategies on both education and patient safety. Such studies will provide additional information to help improve duty hours policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Lin
- H. Lin is a pediatric gastroenterologist, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. E. Lin is a gastroenterology fellow, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. S. Auditore is market segment development manager, American Medical Association, Chicago, Illinois. J. Fanning is chief of membership and resident fellow member-early career psychiatrist officer, American Psychiatric Association, Arlington, Virginia
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Landsbergis PA, Travis A, Schnall PL. Working conditions and masked hypertension. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2013; 20:69-76. [PMID: 23702576 DOI: 10.1007/s40292-013-0015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Masked hypertension, i.e., normal clinic blood pressure but elevated blood pressure during normal daily activities as measured by ambulatory monitoring, is a common problem and a serious cardiovascular risk factor. Given previously reported associations between work stressors and ambulatory blood pressure, an inquiry into the relationship between work stressors and masked hypertension is warranted. OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between working conditions and masked hypertension. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Hospital and home care employers in New York City. STUDY PARTICIPANTS Forty-five male and 119 female hospital and home care employee volunteers wore an ambulatory blood pressure monitor during working hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Masked hypertension was defined as work systolic ambulatory blood pressure ≥135 mmHg or diastolic ambulatory blood pressure ≥85 mmHg, and casual blood pressure <140/90 mmHg with no use of antihypertensive medications. Associations between work stressors and masked hypertension were tested by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS Masked hypertension, observed in 24.0% of males and 17.6% of females with normal casual office obtained blood pressure, was associated with evening, night or rotating shiftwork (odds ratio (OR) 8.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.11-40.31) and with the combination of job strain and effort-reward imbalance (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.02-8.60) after controlling for age. Associations remained substantial, and statistically significant for shiftwork, after individual adjustment for each of 10 potential confounders. Masked hypertension was not associated with total weekly work hours. CONCLUSIONS Masked hypertension is a significant individual and public health concern. Additional research is needed to clarify the role of work-related risk factors in the development of masked hypertension, and to develop an appropriate clinical and public health strategy for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Landsbergis
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, State University of New York-Downstate School of Public Health, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box 43, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
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Marçal Pimenta A, Kac G, Campos e Souza RR, Barros Almeida Ferreira LMD, de Fátima Silqueira SM. Trabalho noturno e risco cardiovascular em funcionários de universidade pública. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s0104-42302012000200012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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Pimenta AM, Kac G, Campos e Souza RR, Maria de Barros Almeida Ferreira L, Maria de Fátima Silqueira S. Night-shift work and cardiovascular risk among employees of a public university. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0104-4230(12)70177-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Hwang WJ, Hong O. Work-related cardiovascular disease risk factors using a socioecological approach: implications for practice and research. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2012; 11:114-26. [PMID: 22357786 DOI: 10.1177/1474515111430890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality. Numerous investigations have linked occupational factors and CVD. Occupational factors such as overtime work have an enormous effect on the CVD risk of industrial workers. However, risk factors for CVD are not systematically reviewed in the workplace. The purpose of the paper is to review work-related risk factors for CVD. METHODS A systematic review of work-related CVD risk factors was performed, yielding 180 articles. All articles were assessed in relation to inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 44 articles being reviewed. The sole inclusion criteria was work-related environmental factors and intra/inter-personal factors (psychosocial factors), which is based on the socioecological perspective. The articles were also assessed regarding the quality of each study using the scoring methods developed by Cesario et al. and Brown et al. CONCLUSION The literature review demonstrated that work environment factors such as shift work, overtime work, and noise and chemical exposures; and psychosocial factors such as job stress, social support, and socioeconomic status cannot be explained or intervened by one single risk factor. Furthermore, certain occupational factors were shown to aggravate or attenuate other risk factors. The implication of these findings is to incorporate work-related environmental and psychosocial factors into assessment of the patient's CVD risks and intervention plan. Future research should also incorporate a well-defined conceptual framework to address the effects of work-related environmental and psychosocial factors on CVD among CVD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Ju Hwang
- College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyunghee-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea.
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Shift work and cardiovascular risk factors: new knowledge from the past decade. Arch Cardiovasc Dis 2011; 104:636-68. [PMID: 22152516 DOI: 10.1016/j.acvd.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases remain a major public health problem. The involvement of several occupational factors has recently been discussed, notably the organization of work schedules, e.g. shift work. To analyse the progress of knowledge on the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and shift work. A review of English-language literature dealing with the link between cardiovascular factors and shift workers (published during 2000-2010) was conducted. Studies published in the past 10 years tend to document an impact of shift work on blood pressure, lipid profile (triglyceride levels), metabolic syndrome and, possibly, body mass index. However, the consequences on glucose metabolism are unclear. These results are not yet firmly established, but are supported by strong hypotheses. Some advice could reasonably be proposed to guide the clinical practitioner.
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Thomas C, Power C. Shift work and risk factors for cardiovascular disease: a study at age 45 years in the 1958 British birth cohort. Eur J Epidemiol 2010; 25:305-14. [PMID: 20237824 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-010-9438-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2009] [Accepted: 03/04/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study examined associations between exposure to shift-work and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and whether the associations are explained by socio-economic circumstances, occupational factors or health behaviours. Biological risk factors for CVD were measured in 7,839 participants of the 1958 British birth cohort at age 45 years who were in paid employment. Regular (>or=1/week) shift-workers included 46% working evenings (1800-2200), 28% weekends, 13% nights (2200-0400) and 14% early mornings (0400-0700). Adverse levels of several CVD risk factors were found in association with increasing participation in any shift-work. Men regularly working all four shift-work types had increased CVD risk factors of approximately 0.1-0.2 standard deviations (e.g. 0.8 kg/m(2) for body mass index; 1.2 cm for waist circumference) than those not regularly working shifts; for women, there was a positive linear trend for triglyceride levels, but a negative trend for diastolic blood pressure. Separate analyses of shift-work types showed associations primarily for night/morning working rather than evening/weekend working. Men had adverse levels of all CVD risk factors except blood pressure and total-cholesterol in association with night or early morning work and women had adverse triglyceride levels. Adjustment for socioeconomic, occupational factors and health behaviours explained most associations except for adiposity and C-reactive protein. Our results highlight night and early morning working associations with an adverse profile of CVD risk factors, which are partly explained by socioeconomic, other occupational factors and health behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Thomas
- MRC Centre for Epidemiology of Child Health, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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Thomas C, Power C. Do early life exposures explain associations in mid-adulthood between workplace factors and risk factors for cardiovascular disease? Int J Epidemiol 2010; 39:812-24. [PMID: 20081213 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyp365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace factors (night work, long working hours, psychosocial work stress) have been reported to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated whether (i) workplace factors are associated with CVD risk factors independently of each other, (ii) workplace factors interact, thereby modifying associations and (iii) associations are explained by early life exposures. METHODS A total of 7916 employed participants in the 1958 British birth cohort underwent a clinical assessment at age 45 years. Regression analysis was used to examine associations between workplace factors and CVD risk factor levels with adjustment for early life exposures. RESULTS Night work was associated with adverse levels of most CVD risk factors. Working > or =48 h/week was positively associated with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Low job control was positively associated with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and inflammatory factors, and inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Low demands were positively associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), triglycerides and inflammatory factors and inversely associated with HDL-cholesterol. Several associations were weakened when workplace factors were adjusted for each other. Night workers in low-demand jobs had higher BMI [0.78 kg/m(2); 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35, 1.21], WC (1.49 cm; 0.45, 2.52) and SBP (1.38 mmHg; -0.04, 2.81). HDL was lower for low control plus night work (-0.04 mmol/l; -0.08, -0.01) or long hours (-0.12; -0.18, -0.69). Adjustment for early life exposures explained 30-50% of most associations, e.g. night work/low demands associations reduced by 50% for BMI and WC, and by 39% for SBP. CONCLUSIONS Associations between workplace factors and CVD risk factors in mid-adulthood arise in part from social and health disadvantage originating earlier in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Thomas
- MRC Centre for Epidemiology of Child Health, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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Blood pressure in firefighters, police officers, and other emergency responders. Am J Hypertens 2009; 22:11-20. [PMID: 18927545 DOI: 10.1038/ajh.2008.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Increased risk begins in the prehypertensive range and increases further with higher pressures. The strenuous duties of emergency responders (firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel) can interact with their personal risk profiles, including elevated blood pressure, to precipitate acute cardiovascular events. Approximately three-quarters of emergency responders have prehypertension or hypertension, a proportion which is expected to increase, based on the obesity epidemic. Elevated blood pressure is also inadequately controlled in these professionals and strongly linked to cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Notably, the majority of incident cardiovascular disease events occur in responders who are initially prehypertensive or only mildly hypertensive and whose average premorbid blood pressures are in the range in which many physicians would hesitate to prescribe medications (140-146/88-92). Laws mandating public benefits for emergency responders with cardiovascular disease provide an additional rationale for aggressively controlling their blood pressure. This review provides a background on emergency responders, summarizes occupational risk factors for hypertension and the metabolic syndrome, their prevalence of elevated blood pressure, and evidence linking hypertension with adverse outcomes in these professions. Next, discrepancies between relatively outdated medical standards for emergency responders and current, evidence-based guidelines for blood pressure management in the general public are highlighted. Finally, a workplace-oriented approach for blood pressure control among emergency responders is proposed, based on the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.
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