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Mortality

Night Shift Work Linked to Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers have found that night shift work, particularly in industries such as healthcare and transportation, is significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between night shift work and the incidence and mortality of CVD. The study included 23 cohort studies and found that night shift work increased the risk of total CVD events by 13% and total CVD mortality by 27%.

Key Takeaways:

  • Night shift work is associated with a 13% increased risk of total CVD events (RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.10-1.16) and a 27% increased risk of total CVD mortality (RR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.18-1.36).
  • Dose-response analysis indicated that each 5-year increment in shift work duration was associated with a 7% higher risk of CVD incidence (RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04-1.09) and a 4% increased risk of CVD mortality (RR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.06).
  • Subgroup analyses identified elevated risks for incident coronary heart disease (CHD) (RR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.16-1.28) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) (RR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.05-1.14), but not stroke (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.95-1.18).
  • Night shift work was associated with an increased risk of mortality due to CHD (RR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.10-1.36), IHD (RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.06-1.84), and stroke (RR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.04-2.12).
  • The study highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies to mitigate the risks associated with night shift work.

Statistics:

  • 13% increased risk of total CVD events (RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.10-1.16)
  • 27% increased risk of total CVD mortality (RR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.18-1.36)
  • 7% higher risk of CVD incidence for each 5-year increment in shift work duration (RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04-1.09)
  • 4% increased risk of CVD mortality for each 5-year increment in shift work duration (RR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.06)
  • 23 cohort studies included in the meta-analysis

Sources:

  • Association between night shift work and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health, 2025;13:1668848.
  • Frontiers Media Sa, Avenue Du Tribunal Federal 34, Lausanne, Ch-1015, Switzerland.
  • Sichuan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
  • Wenlian Ma, Jiayu Xi, Yanmin Tao, Xiameng Zhang, Linfeng Liu, and Hongyan Wang.

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