Key result
Lower relative amplitude of rest-activity rhythms linked to ~50% higher cardiovascular mortality.
Why the study?
Disruption in rest-activity rhythm is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality, but the strength of evidence is unclear.
Do disrupted rest-activity rhythm parameters increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality?
Meta-Analysis (n=109,365)
Do disrupted rest-activity rhythm parameters increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality?
Hazard Ratio: 1.5 (95% CI 1.13–1.98)
Disrupted rest-activity rhythms, specifically higher intradaily variability and lower relative amplitude, are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.
Supports rest-activity rhythm monitoring as a mortality risk marker; leaves open whether targeting rhythms improves outcomes in prospective trials.
BACKGROUND: Disruption in rest-activity rhythm (RAR) is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, but the strength of evidence is unclear. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess associations between RAR characteristics and cardiovascular disease incidence or prevalence, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase for cohort or cross-sectional studies published up to August 2025. The exposure variables were nonparametric RAR parameters, including interdaily stability (describing day-to-day stability of the RAR), intradaily variability (a measure of RAR fragmentation), and relative amplitude (indicating robustness or strength of the RAR). The primary outcomes were cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes included cardiovascular disease prevalence and incidence. RESULTS: Seven studies involving 109 365 participants were included. Pooled results showed that higher intradaily variability was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02-1.09]) and cardiovascular disease prevalence (odds ratio, 1.73 [95% CI, 1.21-2.47]). Lower relative amplitude was significantly associated with higher cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.13-1.98]) and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.27-1.68]). Interdaily stability showed no significant associations with any outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Measures of disrupted rest-activity rhythms were associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. These findings support using RAR metrics as early, noninvasive risk indicators. Future work should investigate whether appropriately timed physical activity and sleep, as well as other interventions targeting RAR can mitigate cardiovascular risk.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Chang et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Cardiovascular disease and mortality (n=109,365). Disrupted rest-activity rhythm vs. Normal rest-activity rhythm was evaluated on Cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.13-1.98). Lower relative amplitude of rest-activity rhythms was associated with higher cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.13-1.98) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.46; 95% CI 1.27-1.68).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: