A recent study presented at the British Cardiovascular Society Conference and as reported by Daily O, shed light on the association between Monday Blues and the occurrence of severe heart attacks.
The research, conducted by doctors from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, involved an analysis of 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 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
STEMI heart attacks occur more frequently on Mondays than on any other day. This discovery lends credence to the widely held belief that Mondays bring a cascade of negative emotions known as the “Monday Blues.”
As per the authors, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) heart attacks were also more likely to occur on Sundays. This study refutes the concept that Mondays have a higher-than-usual frequency of fatal heart attacks. The term “Sunday Scaries” refers to the surge in interest rates that frequently happens on Sundays, along with dread and worry about the next work week.
The study sought to determine the relationship between Monday mornings and cardiovascular events. Because the circadian rhythm governs numerous physiological processes, including the sleep-wake cycle, its disturbance may be a contributing factor. Mondays may be more risky than other days of the week for heart attacks due to changes in the circadian rhythm induced by transitioning from a more leisurely weekend routine to the pressures of the work week.
Although the reasons behind the association between Mondays and an increased risk of heart attacks are unknown, researchers have detected it. Sleep schedule changes, the return to intensive activities after a weekend break, and the stress of returning to work might all play a role. Another 2012 study found that the increased risk of heart attacks on Mondays may be attributable to the body’s circadian rhythm. If a person’s internal clock is off, their cardiovascular system may be more susceptible to difficulties on weekday mornings.
Similar to the Monday Blues and Heart Attack study, federal government research from 2013 verified that cardiovascular difficulties are more frequent in the morning, namely between 6 a.m. and noon. This research reveals that the risk of suffering a heart attack varies during the day. Although the majority of specialists agree with the study’s findings, they stress that the specific association between the “Monday Blues” and cardiovascular difficulties is yet unknown.
According to Dr. Shreya Kaul, a counseling psychologist, Mondays are a particularly challenging day for many people due to the shift from weekend to weekday activities. Mondays have been associated to an increased risk of heart attacks, but further study is needed to establish this relationship and identify the mechanisms at work.
According to recent data presented at the British Cardiovascular Society’s annual meeting, the incidence of the deadliest type of heart attack (STEMI) may be greater on Mondays. This elevated risk might be due to a variety of factors, including the return of stress and sleep problems, as well as work-related activities on Monday. More study is needed to properly comprehend the intricate link between Mondays, circadian rhythms, and cardiovascular events.
