Heart attack is one of the leading causes of sudden death worldwide. According to an estimate, Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease, due to which about four lakh people die every year. In America alone, more than 8 lakh deaths are due to heart attacks.
Heart attack cases are being reported more after the Covid pandemic, say health experts. Although there can be many reasons for this, in a recent study, researchers reported that Monday is the day of the week on which the risk of a serious heart attack may be higher.
Lifestyle and dietary problems have so far been linked to heart attack risks. However, in this study, a serious case of heart attack has been described as a connection to a particular day.
Let us know what is the theory of scientists behind this.
13% more likely to have a heart attack on Monday
The study, presented at the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) conference in Manchester, UK, reported Mondays could be 13% more likely to have a heart attack. The risk of a severe and life-threatening heart attack may also be higher on the first day of the work week than on any other day.
For this, researchers analyzed data from 10,528 patients in Ireland admitted to hospital due to a severe type of heart attack between 2013 and 2018.
Circadian rhythm and risk of STEMI
Acute heart attack, also known as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), occurs when a main coronary artery becomes completely blocked.
The researchers studied the data and found that STEMI complaints may be higher at the beginning of the week, with the highest rates on Mondays while Sundays were significantly lower. The reasons why this happens aren't very clear, but studies suggest that circadian rhythms (the body's sleep-wake cycles) may be a factor.
Effect of circadian rhythm on the Heart
Dr. Jack Laughton, a cardiologist who led the research at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, explains in this report, "We have seen more STEMI cases at the start of the week. Often our sleep-wake time changes during the weekend, waking up early again on Monday after two days off and going to work can be taxing on the body.
According to research by the American Heart Association, the circadian rhythm regulates the physiological and pathological functions of the heart. Frequent changes in it can worsen this cycle due to which there is a risk of serious heart disease.
What do researchers say?
Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), says: "We need more detailed research to confirm this theory of circadian rhythms, given the timing of acute heart attacks." There is no doubt that sleep disturbance or frequent changes in its time can increase problems for the heart. Everyone needs to be careful about this.
(PC: Freepik)
