Evening Chronotype Linked to Cardiovascular Risk

Researchers examine the association between evening chronotype and cardiovascular disease risk, identifying Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health metrics as a key mediator.

By
Kathryn Wighton
January 26, 2026
3 min

Conexiant

Overview

A recent study found that adults with a definite evening chronotype have a 16% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with an intermediate chronotype. This increased risk is largely mediated by lower attainment of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health metrics.

Background

Understanding the relationship between chronotype and cardiovascular health is crucial, as it may influence prevention strategies. Evening chronotype is associated with various lifestyle factors that can adversely affect cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association's Life’s Essential 8 metrics provide a framework for assessing cardiovascular risk and health behaviors.

Data Highlights

Chronotype	Cardiovascular Disease Risk	LE8 Score Prevalence
Definite Evening	16% Higher	79% Unfavorable
Intermediate	Reference	Reference

Key Findings

Adults with a definite evening chronotype have a 16% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Approximately 75% of the association between evening chronotype and cardiovascular disease risk is mediated by lower LE8 scores.
Nicotine exposure is the largest mediator of this association, followed by sleep, blood glucose, body weight, and diet.
Participants with a definite evening chronotype had a 79% higher prevalence of unfavorable LE8 scores compared to those with an intermediate chronotype.
Poorer LE8 scores were observed across six of the eight components, particularly for nicotine exposure and inadequate sleep.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider chronotype when evaluating cardiovascular risk and encourage interventions targeting lifestyle factors associated with evening chronotype. Emphasizing the importance of achieving favorable LE8 scores may help mitigate cardiovascular disease risk in patients with a definite evening chronotype.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the significant link between evening chronotype and cardiovascular disease risk, primarily mediated by lifestyle factors. Addressing these factors may improve cardiovascular health outcomes.