Shift workers face higher heart attack risk

Shift workers are significantly more likely to have a heart attack or stroke, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal.

Researchers looked at studies involving more than two million people and found that shift workers were 23% more likely to have a heart attack and 5% more likely to have a stroke with night shifts associated with the biggest increase in risk for coronary events.

“People who work irregular or long hours often find it harder to eat healthily and be active, both of which are vital for a healthy heart,” said Dr Robert Grenfell, Clinical Issues Director at the Heart Foundation.

“Whether you work nights or 9-5, it’s important to build 30 minutes of activity into your day and to enjoy a diet low in saturated fat and salt with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

“We also urge all Australians, especially those over 45, to ask their GP for a heart health check which looks at blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other risk factors like family history and smoking,” Dr Grenfell said. Heart disease is the number one killer of Australian men and women.

“An Australian has a heart attack every 10 minutes and the warning signs aren’t always what you think - symptoms are not necessarily sudden or severe and some people don’t experience chest pain at all. “That’s why we urge all Australians to learn the warning signs at heartattackfacts.org.au so they know what to do if someone has a heart attack at home or at work,” Dr Grenfell added.

Heart attack warning signs may include pain, pressure, heaviness or tightness in one or more parts of the upper body (chest, neck, jaw, arm(s), shoulder(s) or back) in combination with other symptoms of nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness or a cold sweat.