With the rise of a 24/7 work culture, many professionals find themselves working night shifts, but this change in routine could have serious health consequences. Several studies suggest that night shift workers are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) due to lifestyle disruptions and physiological imbalances. We spoke to three renowned cardiologists to understand the link between night shifts and heart health.
To understand the side effects of night shift on heart, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Prashant Pawar, Consultant-Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Navi Mumbai and Dr Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals. Let’s understand what the experts have to tell us about the connection between the heart and working at night.
Impact of Circadian Rhythm Disruption on Heart Health
One of the primary concerns for night shift workers is the disruption of the body’s natural circadian rhythm. The body’s internal clock, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health.
Dr Prashant Pawar explains the risks: "A night shift worker is someone who works outside of standard daylight working hours, typically between 6 pm and 7 am. This can lead to a misalignment of the natural circadian rhythm, disrupting the sleep cycle and increasing the risk of coronary artery disease, gastrointestinal issues, breast cancer, and adverse pregnancy outcomes."
The misalignment caused by irregular working hours significantly affects heart health. Dr Pawar emphasises that night shift workers are prone to developing hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, both of which are precursors to serious cardiovascular diseases.
"Night-shift workers often experience an increased incidence of non-dipping hypertension, where blood pressure fails to decrease at night. They also tend to have elevated triglycerides and impaired glucose tolerance, which contribute to metabolic syndromes," he said.
Also read: Why Early Cholesterol Screening Is Crucial For Young People
Lifestyle Factors and Cardiovascular Disease
Beyond the biological risks, night shift workers often adopt unhealthy lifestyle habits that increase their vulnerability to heart disease. Irregular eating schedules, a preference for calorie-dense snacks during late hours, and lack of exercise all play a role in exacerbating cardiovascular risks.
Dr Pawar highlights that women who have worked night shifts for over a decade are particularly susceptible to heart problems: "Women night-shift workers have a 64% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation compared to those working regular day shifts."
The combination of disrupted biological clocks and unhealthy eating patterns is a dangerous mix, often leading to weight gain, smoking, and alcohol consumption—all contributing factors to heart disease.
Psychological Stress and Long-Term Heart Risks
When asked how psychological stress and working late affect the heart, Dr Sarita Rao said, “The psychological toll of working night shifts cannot be ignored.” The body’s altered sleep schedule combined with work-related stress further heightens the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
"Working during actual sleep hours affects an individual’s biological clock. Night shift workers usually experience irregular and abnormal heartbeats. Psychological stress due to irregular working hours, along with poor eating habits, can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases."
Also read: How To Identify Chest Pain Caused By A Heart Attack: Cardiologist Insights
Dr Rao emphasises that night shift workers must take proactive measures to manage their health. She offers several tips:
Follow a proper sleep schedule – Make sleep a priority even during odd hours.
Maintain a balanced diet – Avoid high-fat, calorie-dense foods, especially during night shifts.
Schedule regular heart check-ups – Early detection can prevent severe complications.
Exercise regularly – Incorporate physical activity to counteract the sedentary lifestyle.
Stay active at work – Move around during breaks to keep the blood flowing.
Conclusion
Night shift workers face a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular diseases due to a combination of circadian rhythm disruption, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and increased psychological stress. While the body is adaptable, long-term exposure to night shift work can have severe implications on heart health. By maintaining a proper sleep schedule, eating well, exercising regularly, and undergoing regular heart check-ups, night shift workers can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. Awareness and proactive measures are key to safeguarding heart health in non-traditional working hours.