Study finds worst day of the week for heart attacks

Study finds worst day of the week for heart attacks

Using data from more than 10,000 patients, Irish researchers observed a peak in the rate of heart attacks on a particular day of the week.

According to a study conducted by Irish scientists and published on June 5, 2023 on the website of the British Heart Foundation, serious heart attacks are more likely to occur early in the week. Heart attacks classified as “severe” are those called ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and designates the complete blockage of a major artery of the heart. Authors from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons analyzed data from more than 10,000 patients in Ireland hospitalized between 2013 and 2018 and found a spike in heart attack rates on Monday, followed by a higher than expected incidence on Sunday. They named it the blue monday phenomenon in reference to the English expression “Blue Monday” which designates the day supposed to be the most depressing of the year. What is the link between Monday and the occurrence of the infarction? This intriguing phenomenon has long eluded a clear explanation, but previous studies have suggested a correlation with the circadian rhythm, this natural schedule of our body which rhythms waking and sleeping and is influenced by cues from the environment (e.g. sunlight).

The results of the Irish study support this hypothesis, although the exact cause remains multifactorial. This strong statistical correlation between the beginning of the working week and the incidence of heart attacks is a lingering curiosity explained Dr. Jack Laffan, the cardiologist behind the research. This study nevertheless provides valuable evidence on the critical moment of heart attacks and opens the way to new avenues of research to better prevent and treat this cardiovascular accident. As recalled by French Federation of CardiologyTHE Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for women in France.

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