SLEEP DEPRIVATION AS A RISK FACTOR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, representing a major public health issue. In this context, sleep deprivation has been identified as a modifiable risk factor, although gaps remain regarding its association with different cardiovascular outcomes and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. This integrative review aimed to analyze the association between sleep deprivation and cardiovascular diseases. Searches were conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases, including studies published between 2016 and 2026. After applying eligibility criteria, 20 studies were selected for synthesis. The findings demonstrate a consistent association between sleep deprivation and increased risk of hypertension, myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and subclinical atherosclerosis. This relationship is supported by integrated pathophysiological mechanisms, including sympathetic nervous system activation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation, chronic low-grade inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic alterations. This association is further modulated by factors such as obesity, sex, and lifestyle habits. It is concluded that sleep deprivation is an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, highlighting its relevance in clinical practice and preventive strategies.