Private MD News

Shift workers may have unhealthy cholesterol test scores

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Female shift workers may be significantly more likely to receive unhealthy cholesterol test results, according to a new study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Conference.

Researcher Joan Tranmer discovered after surveying 227 hospital workers that those who work overnight shifts have much higher rates metabolic syndrome, which involves the presence of unhealthy cholesterol, high blood pressure, unchecked glucose and abdominal obesity.

This condition puts an individual at a much higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes, and is relatively widespread throughout the general population. However, Tranmer's research showed that 17 percent of shift workers have the condition, which is significantly higher than those who work standard schedules.

Beth Abramson, a spokesperson for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, which sponsored the conference, said the findings underscore the importance of making efforts to support the health of women, particularly if they engage in shift work.

"We spend so many of our hours and days at work, it is important for employers and employees to create as healthy a work environment as possible - especially for shift workers," she said.

Women who work overnight may benefit from talking to their doctor about cholesterol testing to ensure that they do not have these cardiovascular risk factors.