People of which professions are more likely to be a heart attack and stroke

New scientific researchPresented at the Congress of the European Cardiological Society, shows that the shift workers are exposed to increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

A study conducted by scientists of the University of Lisbon in Portugal showed that what the work schedule deviates more employee from him internal biological watchesthe higher The risk of cardiovascular diseases.

“We found that for every hour, when the work schedule did not coincide with the biological hours of workers, the risk of cardiovascular diseases increased significantly”, – noted the head of the study, doctor Sarah Gamboa Madeira.

The phenomenon of “social jetga”

The study focused on a phenomenon called “Social jetlag”*, that is, the difference between social obligations (such as the work schedule) and the natural biological hours of each person. This circus discrepancy seems to be significantly worsening heart health, especially among workers who systematically work on shifts.

He participated in the study 301 An employee of physical labor in retail warehouses, which worked exclusively in morning, evening or night shifts. Participants filled out detailed questionnaires, passed the measurements of the pressure and cholesterol level.

Depending on the biological clock, the risk changes

Based on the data analysis, the researchers found that 20% participants were classified as category “High cardiovascular risk.” In addition, for every additional hour “Social jetga“The relative risk increased on 31%.

The lack of sleep was also characteristic: 40% We slept for six hours or less on working days. Many of them had other risk factors, such as smoking and high cholesterol.

Who is at greater risk?

Dr. Gamboa Madeira explains that “People do not have the same chronotype”. There are people who are more productive in the morning (larks), and others who work better late in the evening (Owls).

Work at hours contrary to this natural rhythm causes stress in the body, and it can have serious consequences for the heart.

The researcher adds: “The results emphasize the need to take into account the biorhythm of each employee when planning graphs. It is necessary to conduct additional studies to find out whether the owls cope with night shifts, and the larks are morning. ”

What does this mean for workers?

The study emphasizes the need for more thorough monitoring of the heart health of those who work outside the “normal” schedule, such as night guards, hospitals and drivers. In addition, the opinion is intensified that employers should adapt shifts depending on the employee chronotype in order to minimize health consequences.

*Jetlag – Disorder of the daily biorhythm due to a long -range flight. Social jetlag is Violation of circadian rhythms due to lack of sunlight, which we experience due to the schedule of work and insufficient stay on the street.

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