Monday Blues are becoming fatal! Study shows the severest of heart attacks happen on Monday
Heart attacks are more likely to occur on a Monday morning. Photo: Getty Images
Monday Blues exist for a good reason, guys. If there's a single day in the week that we absolutely detest and it gives us those Sunday Scaries, it's undeniably Monday. Now, there is a new study that is saying the same.
What is the study?
- A recent study presented at the British Cardiovascular Society Conference revealed that the most severe forms of heart attacks are more likely to occur on Mondays compared to other days of the week. The research was conducted by doctors from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
- They analyzed data from over 10,000 patients in Ireland who had been hospitalized between 2013 and 2018 due to the most critical type of heart attack, known as an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This particular type of heart attack occurs when a major coronary artery is completely blocked.
- The findings indicated a notable increase in the occurrence of STEMI heart attacks at the beginning of the work week, with Mondays showing the highest rates. Interestingly, the rates of STEMI heart attacks were also higher than expected on Sundays (Sunday Scaries for real).
- The study also provides valuable insights into the timing and occurrence of severe heart attacks, suggesting a possible association between the start of the work week and cardiovascular events.
However, Scientists are not really sure about the cause.
However, A 2012 study suggested a link between this increased risk and the body's circadian rhythm (it is a mind ticking clock in your mind, that regulates your physical, mental, and behavioural changes and just like a day, it follows a 24-hour cycle), which regulates the sleep and wake cycle.
See, the circadian rhythm plays a crucial role in cardiovascular function. Disruptions to this internal clock, such as those experienced during the transition from the weekend to the work week may impact the body's cardiovascular system and potentially contribute to an increased risk of heart attacks on Mondays.
While the exact mechanisms behind this association remain unclear, it is thought that according to this study, factors such as increased stress levels, changes in sleep patterns, and the resumption of work-related activities after the weekend may contribute to the higher occurrence of heart attacks at the start of the week.
'Heart attacks are more likely to occur in the morning'
Another study released in 2013, released by the US govt showed that health patterns have revealed that the highest occurrence of cardiovascular issues tends to happen in the morning, specifically between 6 am and noon.
Moreover, this study also claims that shift work is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Reason: Disruption of the circadian system.
What are the experts saying?
dailyO reached out to several doctors and psychologists to understand the connection between Monday Blues and heart attacks. However, experts even though seem to agree with the study, are also not entirely sure about this connection. Dr Shreya Kaul, a counselling Psychologist, says that Mondays do have a 'bad reputation'.
How to keep your heart healthy?
Dr Shyam Sharma, a physician from Assam, also told dailyO that regularly working out can improve your cardiovascular health. Dr Sharma says to keep your heart healthy, engage in regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, manage stress, avoid tobacco, and limit alcohol.