This study investigates the relationship between different work schedules and progression of carotid atherosclerosis, an early indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The authors evaluate the associations of baseline work schedules with 11-year progression of ultrasonographically assessed carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and their variation by preexisting CVD.

Standard daytime work, weekend shifts, and evening/night/rotating shifts were associated with 31%, 37%, and 33% increases in IMT, respectively. Compared to daytime workers, weekend workers experienced a faster progression of carotid atherosclerosis. This ratio was higher among men who had pre-existing CVD.

They authors learned that weekend shifts, more than standard daytime work, appear to accelerate carotid atherosclerosis progression among middle-aged Finnish men, especially those with pre-existing CVD.