The relationship between shift work and the onset of hypertension in male Japanese workers

We assessed the effect of shift work on the onset of hypertension. The design of this study was that of a cohort study from 1991-2001. In sum, 5338 workers comprised this cohort. The event was the onset of hypertension (systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to90 mm Hg and/or medication). Pooled logistic regression analysis was performed, including job schedule type, age, body mass index, lifestyle, and the results of blood chemistries as covariates. The odds ratio of the onset of hypertension in shift workers for daytime workers was 1.10 and significant. Our study revealed that shift work independently affected the onset of hypertension, and suggested that shift work is a risk factor for the onset of hypertension.