Irregular sleep patterns are detrimental to heart health

0

Regular, quality sleep is the foundation of cardiovascular health, scientists say.

The Journal of the American Heart Association published the results of a study, the authors of which concluded that irregular sleep patterns are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and have a detrimental effect on the health of the cardiac system. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center analyzed the impact of sleep on the health of 2,032 people participating in the MESA atherosclerosis study.

The scientists found that people who did not monitor their sleep patterns or were unable to adhere to the same sleep pattern every day had increased calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, as well as a greater number of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries. In general, they had more severe atherosclerosis, which meant greater stiffness and narrowing of the blood vessels.

Commenting on the results, the authors of the study noted that to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is important to practice regular sleep habits and adhere to a consistent sleep and wake-up schedule. Scientists emphasized: to maintain heart health, it is important to maintain the body's circadian rhythms without sudden shifts.

“Almost all major cardiovascular functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, vascular tone, and endothelial function, are regulated by circadian clock genes. Disruption or elimination of circadian rhythms can disrupt them, leading to chronic inflammation, changes in glucose metabolism, increased activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and increased blood pressure, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis,” the researchers said.