Deadly heart attacks 13% more likely on a Monday

London 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.

Doctors at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland analysed data of 10,528 patients across the island of Ireland (7,112 in the Republic of Ireland, 3,416 in Northern Ireland) admitted to hospital between 2013 and 2018 with the most serious type of heart attack known as an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

STEMI occurs when a major coronary artery is completely blocked. 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.

Blue Monday

• The researchers found a 13% increase in the risk of a heart attack on Mondays, compared to other days of the week

• They believe this may be due to a combination of factors, including circadian rhythm, stress, and poor diet and exercise habits

• This study adds to the evidence that there is a link between heart health and the start of the working week

• More research is needed to understand why this is the case, and to find ways to reduce the risk of heart attacks on Mondays