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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

Published in:

01-03-2011 | Original Article

Heart rate variability changes in physicians working on night call

Authors: Birgitta Malmberg, Roger Persson, Per Flisberg, Palle Ørbaek

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 3/2011

Abstract

Purpose

Adverse effects by night-call duty have become an important occupational health issue. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the heart rate variability (HRV) differed during recovery from day work and night-call duty between distinct physician specialities.

Methods

We studied the impact of a 16-h night-call duty on autonomic balance, measured by HRV, among two physician groups differing with respect to having to deal with life-threatening conditions while on call. Nineteen anaesthesiologists (ANEST) and 16 paediatricians and ear, nose and throat surgeons (PENT) were monitored by ambulatory digital Holter electrocardiogram (ECG). Heart rate variability was analysed between 21:00 and 22:00 after an ordinary workday, on night call and in the evening post-call. Absolute and normalized high-frequency power (HF, HFnu) were the main outcome variables, expressing parasympathetic influence on the heart.

Results

ANEST had lower HF power than PENT while on night call and post-daytime work (p < 0.05), but not at post-night call. In the whole group of physicians, HFnu was lower on call and post-daytime work compared with post-night-call duty (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The physiological recovery after night duty seemed sufficient in terms of HRV patterns for HFnu, reflecting autonomic balance and did not differ between specialities. However, the less dynamic HRV after daytime work and during night-call duty in the ANEST group may indicate a higher physiological stress level. These results may contribute to the improvement of night-call schedules within the health care sector.

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Title: Heart rate variability changes in physicians working on night call
Authors: Birgitta Malmberg
Roger Persson
Per Flisberg
Palle Ørbaek
Publication date: 01-03-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0593-4

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Heart rate variability changes in physicians working on night call

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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