Exposure to light during the nighttime is linked to important and potentially harmful changes to the structure and function of the heart, according to a study of more than 11,000 people published in the European Heart Journal today (Thursday).
Exposure to light during the nighttime is linked to important and potentially harmful changes to the structure and function of the heart, according to a study of more than 11,000 people published in the European Heart Journal today (Thursday).
The research was led by Professor Lu Qi from Tulane University, New Orleans, USA. He said: “Previous observational studies have linked nighttime light exposure with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, but little is known about the related cardiac structure and functional changes. We carried out this research to find out what happens to the heart over time when people are exposed to too much light at nighttime.”
The research included 11,071 people who are part of the UK Biobank study. All participants wore a light sensor on their wrists for seven days to measure light levels over night. Three years later, participants were given a cardiac MRI scan to carefully examine the structures and functions of the heart.
Read More: European Society of Cardiology
