Heart at Work Study

University of Pittsburgh19 enrolled

Overview

This is an observational study to examine the cardiovascular mechanisms of increased cardiovascular mortality in those with high activity occupations.

The current proposal uses a repeated-measures, within-subject design to address our aims. Twenty male participants will report to the laboratory to provide informed consent, complete baseline assessments, and receive ambulatory monitors. Following this session, each participant will wear physical activity and ambulatory cardiovascular monitors for 7 days, including at least one non-work day and one work day. Characterization of work activity will use physical activity data from self-reported time at work (Specific Aim I). The 24-hour cardiovascular load (HR and BP) and nocturnal HRV will be compared across work and non-work days (Specific Aim II). Lastly, whether fitness level or job strain modify the difference in cardiovascular strain between work vs. non-work days will be evaluated (Specific Aim III).

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Occupational Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular Risk Factor Occupational Exposure

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 35 YearsMax age: 59 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * middle age (35-59 years) * male * self-report working full-time in the food service industry (≥30 hours/week) * self-report predominantly completing light intensity activity job responsibilities (≥75% work time walking, light movement, or standing) Exclusion Criteria: * Resting blood pressure of ≥150 mmHg systolic and/or ≥95 mmHg diastolic * currently taking medications that are known to affect blood pressure or heart rate (e.g. Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, etc.) * greater than low risk to participate in physical activity as determined by PAR-Q (answer of yes to any of the 7 physical activity readiness questionnaire questions) * report working a second job in addition to their primary full-time job * report working overnight shifts (10pm-6am) * reported physical dysfunction (inability to walk 2 city blocks or climb 2 flights of stairs) * inability to complete the sub-maximal exercise test to completion (80% age-predicted heart rate maximum) * Currently being treated for a serious medical condition such as kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, or heart disease.

Locations (1)

Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Laboratory

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

24-hour Heart Rate

We will calculate the average heart rate over each 24 hour period throughout a one week monitoring period.

Time frame: 24 hours

Secondary Outcomes

24-hour Ambulatory Systolic Blood Pressure

We will calculate the average systolic blood pressure over a 24-hour period on two separate days (workdays versus non-workdays).

Time frame: 24 hours

Nocturnal Heart Rate Variability, RMSSD

We will calculate the average heart rate variability during each night's sleep for a total of one week. The specific HRV variable presented is root mean square successive differences (RMSSD).

Time frame: approximately 8 hours (sleep time)

Physical Activity Pattern. Steps Per Day

This physical activity metric of steps per day was calculated as average number of steps during each day type (work versus non-workdays) throughout one week

Time frame: 1 week

Nocturnal Heart Rate Variability, SDNN

We will calculate the average heart rate variability during each night's sleep for a total of one week. The specific HRV variable presented is standard deviation of the normal to normal RR intervals (SDNN).

Time frame: approximately 8 hours (sleep time)

Nocturnal Heart Rate Variability, LF

We will calculate the average heart rate variability during each night's sleep for a total of one week. The specific HRV variable presented is low frequency power (LF).

Time frame: approximately 8 hours (sleep time)

Nocturnal Heart Rate Variability, HF

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.