Higher risk of heart attack on Christmas Eve

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-12/b-hro121018.php

Public Release: 12-Dec-2018
Risk peaks around 10 p.m., most probably triggered by emotional stress
BMJ

The risk of heart attack peaks at around 10pm on Christmas Eve, particularly for older and sicker people, most likely due to heightened emotional stress, finds a Swedish study in this week's Christmas issue of The BMJ.

The risk was also higher during New Years' and Midsummer holidays, and on Monday mornings, but not during Easter holiday or major sport events.

Previous studies have shown a peak in heart attacks across the western world during Christmas and New Year festivities, and during Islamic holidays in countries where the religion predominates.

Other short term events linked to emotional stress, such as major sporting events, hurricanes and stock market crashes, have also been associated with a higher risk of heart attack. But there is a lack of data on the exact timing and severity of symptoms in a nationwide setting.

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