Circadian Rhythms and Cardiovascular Function

Frank A.J.L. Scheer, PhD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Associate Director, Medical Chronobiology Program, Brigham & Women's Hospital
Division of Sleep Medicine
Brigham & Women's Hospital
Boston, MA

The incidence of many biochemical, physiologic, and behavioral events displays a circadian, or reproducible and cyclic pattern of approximately 24 hours. Parameters such as hormone secretion, blood pressure, and mood occur with circadian periodicity. Our understanding of the role of the circadian system across different systems (eg, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, metabolic) provides a more comprehensive understanding of normal physiologic mechanisms. Characterizing the contribution of the circadian system to cardiovascular processes will lead to a greater understanding of general biologic mechanisms as well as how changes in these processes may lead to cardiovascular disease. In turn, understanding perturbations in parameters such as the circadian system has implications for treatment approaches used to alleviate related morbidities.

References

Bron R, Furness JB. Rhythm of digestion: keeping time in the gastrointestinal tract. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2009;36(10): 1041-1048.
Drake C. Roehrs T, et al. Shift work sleep disorder: prevalence and consequences beyond that of symptomatic day workers. Sleep. 2004;27(8): 1453-1462.
Froy O. Metabolism and circadian rhythms--implic ations for obesity. Endocr Rev. 2010;31(1): 1-24.
Scheer FA, Hu K, et al. Impact of the human circadian system, exercise, and their interaction on cardiovascular function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010;107(47): 20541-20546.
Shea SA, Hilton MF, et al. Existence of an endogenous circadian blood pressure rhythm in humans that peaks in the evening." Circ Res. 2011;108(8): 980-984.

Would you like to comment? , or in if you are already a member.

Excessive daytime sleepiness and narcolepsy - An approach to investigation and management

Morrison I, Riha RL.
Department of Neurology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, United...

An Investigation into the Relationship Between Sleep-Disordered Breathing, the Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiovascular Risk Profiles,

Brady EM, Davies MJ, Hall AP, C S Talbot D, Dick JL, Khunti K.
1 Department of Diabetes...

The Impact of Sleep-Disordered Breathing on Body Mass Index (BMI): The Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS)

Brown MA, Goodwin JL, Silva GE, Behari A, Newman AB, Punjabi NM, Resnick HE, Robbins JA, Quan...

SLEEP DISTURBANCE IN MENOPAUSE

Ameratunga D, Goldin J, Hickey M.
Registrar Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Royal Women's...

Sleep and circadian misalignment for the hospitalist: A review

Schaefer EW, Williams MV, Zee PC.
Division of Hospital Medicine, Feinberg School of...