Why do heart attacks happen more on Mondays?

A study presented at the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) conference in Manchester in 2023 changed the way people understood heart attack. The study, led by doctors from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland found that serious heart attacks are more likely to occur on a Monday compared to other days of the week.

For the study, the researchers studied the records of more than 10,000 people between 2013 and 2018. These patients were admitted for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) , the most severe type of heart attack. Without emergency care, STEMI is fatal.





The doctors found that there was an increase in the rate of STEMI during the start of the week (a 13 per cent increase).

“We found a higher chance of having a serious heart attack on a Monday. This phenomenon has been described before across the Western world. We know that heart attacks are more likely to happen in winter and in the early hours of the morning. The same effect is seen in the event rate of strokes. Previous studies have also shown a higher rate of heart attacks in the days following the clocks going forward for daylight savings time," Dr Jack Laffan told The Daily Mail.

“The exact mechanism for these variations is unknown but we presume it has something to do with how the circadian rhythm affects circulating hormones that can influence heart attacks and strokes. 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,” the doctor added.

Timely detection of symptoms is the key

Recognizing early signs of a heart attack can save lives. Common symptoms include chest discomfort, which may feel like pressure, squeezing, or pain in the center or left side of the chest, lasting more than a few minutes or coming and going. Shortness of breath can occur with or without chest pain.

Other warning signs include pain radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach, often mistaken for muscle strain or indigestion. Cold sweats, dizziness, nausea, and extreme fatigue are also key indicators, especially in women, who may experience more subtle symptoms.

Symptoms can be mild at first but should never be ignored. If you or someone else experiences these signs, seek emergency medical help immediately. Don’t wait—every second counts!