Key result
On-call shifts linked to reduced HRV and increased physiological stress, suggesting higher cardiovascular risk.
Why the study?
Do on-call shifts reduce heart rate variability and increase physiological stress in resident physicians?
Do on-call shifts reduce heart rate variability and increase physiological stress in resident physicians?
On-call shifts are associated with altered autonomic balance and reduced heart rate variability in residents, suggesting a potential occupational increase in cardiovascular risk.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess autonomic dysfunction via heart rate variability (HRV) in residents with on-call shifts. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 140 residents (104 on-call, 36 non-on-call) was conducted. HRV parameters, stress indices, and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ) were compared using parametric and non-parametric tests. RESULTS: On-call residents showed elevated heart rates (84 vs. 79 bpm, P = 0.006), higher stress indices (12.1 vs. 9.96, P = 0.003), and reduced parasympathetic markers (root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD], standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals [SDNN], parasympathetic nervous system index [PNS index]; all P ≤ 0.006). Physical activity did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: An association between on-call shifts and altered autonomic balance was observed, suggesting a potential increase in cardiovascular risk independent of lifestyle factors. These findings may be considered by policymakers when planning resident physician workloads.
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Kılıç et al. (2026) studied this question. On-call shifts in resident physicians were associated with altered autonomic balance and reduced heart rate variability, suggesting a potential increase in cardiovascular risk.
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