Governing a large amount of cellular processes in mammalian cells is a 24-h regulatory mechanism known as the circadian clock. Through the release of neurohormonal factors, the master central clock is able to regulate the otherwise independent peripheral clocks situated in all vital organs. It has recently been shown that forced misalignment of the circadian cycles, often as a consequence of lifestyle factors, is an independent cardiometabolic risk factor and may thus potentially predispose certain groups, such as nightshift workers, to cardiovascular disease. In this review, we will analyse some of the recent advances regarding circadian clock dysfunction and the development of cardiovascular diseases. Finally, we will touch on the developing link between circadian dysfunction and myocardial infarctions.
Keywords: Circadian clock; cardiometabolic risk; cardiovascular disease; metabolism.