Scientists from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Royal Irish College of Surgeons found that serious heart attacks are more likely to occur on Monday. The results of the experts’ research were presented at the conference British Cardiovascular Society in Manchester.
The doctors analyzed data from 10,528 Irish patients admitted to hospital for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the most serious type of heart attack, between 2013 and 2018. It occurs when the main coronary artery is completely blocked.
Researchers found an increase in the frequency of these heart attacks at the beginning of the study week, with the highest rates occurring on Monday. The number of cases on Sunday was also higher than expected.
“We found a strong statistical association between the onset of the work week and the incidence of myocardial infarction. The cause is likely multifactorial. Although we cannot pinpoint this, based on previous studies, it is reasonable to assume a circadian element,” the authors said.