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A growing body of evidence suggests that night-shift work is associated with cardiovascular disease, but the physiological mechanisms involved are not yet fully defined. This study evaluated the effects of a prolonged workday (including overnight call) on heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, and biochemical markers.
In a randomized, crossover, observational trial, 30 healthy physicians in Austria wore cardiac monitors, completed detailed event diaries (to document sleep interruption), and submitted blood and urine samples. Researchers compared measurements for each participant during a 24-hour period that included a call night and during a routine workday. Compared with routine workdays, on prolonged workdays, participants had signifi…