On Which Day Fatal Heart Attacks Are More Common? See What Report Says

The study indicated that the likelihood of having a heart attack on a Monday was 13% higher than anticipated…

Written by Rivanshi Rakhrai June 6, 2023

Increase in the rate of heart attack

According to new research, the beginning of the workweek has the highest risk of fatal heart attacks at any time.

The study indicated that the likelihood of having a heart attack on a Monday was 13% higher than anticipated. It was presented at the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) conference in Manchester, UK.

The Global Research

The most serious type of heart attack, known as an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), was analyzed in data from 10,528 patients across the island of Ireland between 2013 and 2018 by doctors at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (7,112 in the Republic of Ireland and 3,416 in Northern Ireland).

When a significant coronary artery is totally blocked, STEMI occurs.

The start of the work week was associated with an increase in STEMI heart attacks, with rates on Monday being the greatest. Additionally, there were higher than anticipated STEMI rates on a Sunday.

Scientists have not yet been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the “Blue Monday” phenomenon.

A relationship with circadian rhythm, or the body’s sleep or wake cycle, has been highlighted by prior studies that suggest heart attacks are more common on Mondays.

“We’ve found a strong statistical correlation between the start of the working week and the incidence of STEMI. This has been described before but remains a curiosity,” said Dr. Jack Laffan, a cardiologist who led the research at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

“The cause is likely multifactorial, however, based on what we know from previous studies, it is reasonable to presume a circadian element,” he added.

To reduce heart damage from STEMI, immediate evaluation and treatment are necessary. Emergency angioplasty is typically used to reopen the blocked coronary artery.

“This study adds to evidence around the timing of particularly serious heart attacks, but we now need to unpick what it is about certain days of the week that makes them more likely. Doing so could help doctors better understand this deadly condition so we can save more lives in the future,” said Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

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