Working at night in hospital environment is a risk factor for arterial stiffness

Abstract

Aim: Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In previous studies, emotional stress has been reported to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of anxiety, stress and fatigue associated with working at night in hospital environment on arterial stiffness in physicians.Methods: The study was carried out with 30 physicians employed in Medical Faculty of Uludag University between October 2011 and March 2012. Measurements were made using Pulse Wave Sensor HDI system (Hypertension Diagnostics Inc, Eagan, MN)(Set No: CR000344) by radial artery pulse wave at the onset and end of night shift.Results: The mean age of night doctors included in the study was 26 years (range: 22-38) and the female/male ratio was 2/1. It was determined that mean values of arterial stiffness were significantly higher after night shift (1330 +/- 360 dyne/sn/cm-5) compared to mean values before night shift (1093 +/- 250 dyn/s/cm-5) (p=0.01). In the evaluation of other parameters before and after night shift, no statistically significant difference was detected (p>0.05).Conclusion: The increasing arterial stiffness in hospital employees after night shift could be attributed to the effects of stress and fatigue experienced during night shift.