Are heart attacks a random and unpredictable phenomenon? Not really, according to a new joint study from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland which found that the deadliest heart attacks are more likely to happen on a very specific day of the week, one most of us don't like already!
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Doctors seem to even suggest there is a strong correlation between this day, and heart attacks. Indeed, this day is said to be the most stressful day of the week, and stress is an aggravating factor for heart attacks. Here is everything we know.
There are two types of heart attacks
First of all, it is important to point out that there are not one but two types of heart attacks, one being much more deadly than the other, as it stops blood from circulating correctly in the system. The medical name of a heart attack is a myocardial infarction. The first type of heart attacks is non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, which is called INSTEMI, and the second type is ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, which is therefore called STEMI.
This second category is much more dangerous and deadly, because in this case there is complete arterial blockage, meaning blood doesn't circulate through the artery anymore. And according to a recent study conducted in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland, they are said to occur much more frequently at the beginning of the week.
Read more:Heart attack and heartburn: Here's how to spot the difference
Even your heart doesn't like Mondays
Monday is often a difficult day in Irish emergency rooms, according to the study reported by the Daily Mail. A statement from Eureka Alert reads:
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.
But how can we scientifically explain the sudden increase in deadly heart attacks on Mondays? Well, the study highlights several hypotheses. First, the body's circadian rhythm, which is when we sleep and when are awake, could be disturbed on Mondays. It is responsible for our body's ability to fight off infections, and for our energy resources. This could be explained by the early alarm, instead of sleeping in on the weekend. Eureka Alert reports as the first theory:
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.
The other hypothesis is a much simpler one. Cardiologist Dr. Jack Laffan, interviewed by the Daily Mail, has a different theory. He believes that Monday is the most stressful day of the week, and as stress is an important risk factor in heart attacks, this could explain why more people have heart attacks on Mondays.
It is likely to be due to the stress of returning to work. Increased stress leads to rising levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to a higher risk of heart attack.
Read more:More younger women are getting heart attacks. Here are the common risk factors
This article has been translated from Gentside DE.
Sources used:
Eureka Alert: Deadly heart attacks more common on a Monday
Daily Mail: Happy Monday everybody! Scientists reveal you're more likely to have a serious heart attack today than on any other day of the week
