Circadian rhythm disruption in cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of mechanistic evidence from animal models

This systematic review improves mechanistic understanding of CVD development following circadian misalignment by demonstrating cardiac hypertrophy as a major pathophysiological consequence in animal models. Cardiac structural changes at organ and cellular levels, supported by biomarkers of pathological remodeling, indicate circadian disruption contributes to adverse cardiac remodeling. Future animal research should prioritize standardized protocols, sex-balanced designs, and environmental models replicating human shiftwork patterns. Substantial epidemiological gaps remain, warranting further investigation in shift workers.