Fatal heart attacks are more likely to happen at the start of the working week than at any other time, according to new research.
The study, presented at the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) conference in Manchester, UK, found that the likelihood of a heart attack occurring on a Monday was 13 per cent greater than expected.
The researchers found a spike in rates of STEMI heart attacks at the start of the working week, with rates highest on a Monday. There were also higher rates of STEMI than expected on a Sunday.
Scientists have so far been unable to fully explain why this “Blue Monday” phenomenon occurs.
Previous studies suggesting that heart attacks are more likely on a Monday have highlighted an association with circadian rhythm — the body’s sleep or wake cycle.
“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.
STEMI requires emergency assessment and treatment to minimise damage to the heart, and this is normally performed with emergency angioplasty — a procedure to re-open the blocked coronary artery.
