New Research Reveals the Deadliest Day of the Week that Heightens Risk of Serious Heart Attacks

According to a new analysis presented at the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) conference in Manchester, serious heart attacks are more likely to occur at the beginning of the workweek than at any other time.

Researchers from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland examined data on 10,528 patients who had the most severe type of heart attack and had been admitted to hospitals between 2013 and 2018 (7,112 in the Republic of Ireland and 3,416 in Northern Ireland). When a major coronary artery is fully stopped, this is known as an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Researchers discovered an increase in the incidence of STEMI heart attacks at the beginning of the work week, with the highest incidence on Monday. 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” phenomena. Previous research indicating a link between heart attacks and Mondays has emphasized a connection with circadian rhythm or the body’s sleep/wake cycle.

In the UK, STEMI causes more than 30,000 hospital admissions annually. To minimize cardiac damage, it needs immediate evaluation and treatment. Emergency angioplasty is often used to reopen the coronary artery that has been clogged.

The ‘Blue Monday’ Phenomenon: Why Serious Heart Attacks Strike on Mondays

According to Dr. Jack Laffan, a renowned cardiologist, who spearheaded the research conducted at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, there exists a significant statistical relationship between the onset of the workweek and the occurrence of STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction). While this correlation has been mentioned previously, it still maintains its enigmatic nature. Although the precise cause is likely influenced by multiple factors, drawing from our understanding of past studies, it is reasonable to speculate the involvement of a circadian component.

“We’ve found a strong statistical correlation between the start of the working week and the incidence of STEMI,” notes lead author Cardiologist Dr. Jack Laffan.

“This has been described before but remains a curiosity. The cause is likely multifactorial, however, based on what we know from previous studies, it is reasonable to presume a circadian element.” 

“Someone is admitted to hospital due to a life-threatening heart attack every five minutes in the UK,” points out Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF).   

“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 future.” 

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