Fatal heart attacks are more likely to happen at the start of the working week than at any other time, a report by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said on Monday (June 5) citing research that was presented at the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) conference in Manchester.

Fatal heart attacks are more likely to happen at the start of the working week than at any other time, a report by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said on Monday (June 5) citing research that was presented at the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) conference in Manchester. Doctors at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland analysed the data of over 10,000 patients across the country hospitalised 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. Till now, scientists have been unable to explain why this “Blue Monday” phenomenon occurs. Previous studies, meanwhile, suggested that heart attacks are more likely on a Monday and have highlighted an association with circadian rhythm – the body’s sleep or wake cycle. Over 30,000 hospitalised due to STEMI each year in UK The BHF report on Monday said there have been more than 30,000 hospital admissions due to STEMI each year in the United Kingdom (UK), adding it requires emergency assessment and treatment to minimise damage to the heart, and this is normally performed with emergency angioplasty. What do experts say? “We’ve found a strong statistical correlation between the start of the working week and the incidence of STEMI. This has been described before but remains a curiosity," Cardiologist Dr Jack Laffan, who led the research at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, said. Dr Laffan added the cause is likely multifactorial, and based on previous studies, it is reasonable to presume a circadian element. The BHF's Medical Director Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, meanwhile, said the research adds to evidence around the timing of particularly serious heart attacks, "but we now need to unpick what it is about certain days of the week that makes them more likely." “Someone is admitted to hospital due to a life-threatening heart attack every five minutes in the UK, so it’s vital that research continues to shed light on how and why heart attacks happen," Samani said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Research claims fatal heart attacks more common on Mondays

Heart disease is often considered an old man's disease, but a recent uptick in the number of young people dying of heart attacks has busted this myth. From a 22-year-old groom who died in the middle of his wedding ceremony to the 16-year-old who died while playing cricket, the headlines these days are unfortunately scattered with mentions of cardiac attacks. It can happen to any person, whatever their age. So, is there anything we can do to identify if we are at risk? According to a cardiologist at a leading New York city cardiology hospital, there are five unexpected signs that you or someone you know may be at risk of developing heart disease.

Writing for Daily Mail, Dr Deepak Bhatt, a cardiologist at New York's Mount Sinai hospital, says that the signs are generally subtle. He asserts that common problems like anxiety, fatigue and limb pain could actually be a sign of something much more serious.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Are you at risk of a heart attack?

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Let's take a look at the signs you need to be wary of:

<h2>Anxiety</h2>

These days, given the schedule and lifestyle we keep, almost everyone feels anxious. However, as per Bhatt, this could point to underlying heart problems.

As per him, anxiety and heart disease generally come hand in hand, constant uneasiness can damage the heart over time.

"It's hard to know which came first. It's a chicken or egg situation," he says.

A 2015 study by Harvard University researchers found that anxiety increases the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) turning fatal by 21 per cent.

<h2>Sweating</h2>

Think profuse, excess sweating. This can be due to your heart working overtime to pump blood through blocked passageways.&nbsp;The cardiologist warns that sudden profuse sweating, "especially when a person is not taking part in any physical activity, could be one of the first signs of a heart attack."

<h2>Leg pain</h2>

Many of us might consider this a side-effect of getting older, but even this could be an unexpected signal for heart disease.

Tingling and pain in the legs are actually major symptoms. It happens due to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). As per Daily Mail, this condition happens when "arteries in the legs become narrow and blocked by the build-up of plaque".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-19-year-old-indian-teenager-dies-of-cardiac-arrest-while-dancing-566663">19-year-old Indian dies of cardiac arrest while dancing</a>

Bhatt says that "even doctors don't think about it."

"If a person suffers pain, numbness or tingling in the legs while walking, and then it suddenly stops when they take a moment of rest, it could be time to go to the doctor," he adds.

<h2>Fatigue</h2>

Getting tired at the end of the day is normal, but chronic fatigue isn't.

"Fatigue is a tough one," says Bhatt, "it's a very non-specific symptom. Most fatigue is not due to heart disease, maybe just a bad night's sleep."

However, if you are suffering from chronic, constant fatigue, it might be time to see a doctor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nearly-100-people-died-of-heart-attack-in-kanpur-within-7-days-report-550679" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nearly-100-people-died-of-heart-attack-in-kanpur-within-7-days-report-550679&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi6qqnMtMT9AhW4cGwGHbUXAEg4ChAWegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw21j1lOb6VDx2-fD9F6QA8B" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nearly-100-people-died-of-heart-attack-in-kanpur-within-7-days-report-550679" target="_blank">Nearly 100 people die of&nbsp;heart attack&nbsp;in Kanpur within 7 days: Report</a>

<h2>Stomach problems</h2>

People suffering from heart disease often report stomach and digestion issues, which get worse as the cardiovascular condition worsens.

Sudden and sharp pain, usually in the upper right portion of a person's stomach, could point to heart disease. This often comes with sudden, significant weight loss.

While these signs may be innocuous for the majority of people, if they are accompanied by giveaway symptoms like chest tightening or are happening to a person with a history of heart disease, seeking medical help is the right way to go.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Heart disease is often considered an old man's disease, but a recent uptick in the number of young people dying of heart attacks has busted this myth. From a 22-year-old groom who died in the middle of his wedding ceremony to the 16-year-old who died while playing cricket, the headlines these days are unfortunately scattered with mentions of cardiac attacks.

Heart disease is often considered an old man's disease, but a recent uptick in the number of young people dying of heart attacks has busted this myth. From a 22-year-old groom who died in the middle of his wedding ceremony to the 16-year-old who died while playing cricket, the headlines these days are unfortunately scattered with mentions of cardiac attacks. It can happen to any person, whatever their age. So, is there anything we can do to identify if we are at risk? According to a cardiologist at a leading New York city cardiology hospital, there are five unexpected signs that you or someone you know may be at risk of developing heart disease. Writing for Daily Mail, Dr Deepak Bhatt, a cardiologist at New York's Mount Sinai hospital, says that the signs are generally subtle. He asserts that common problems like anxiety, fatigue and limb pain could actually be a sign of something much more serious. Watch | WION Fineprint: Are you at risk of a heart attack? Let's take a look at the signs you need to be wary of: Anxiety These days, given the schedule and lifestyle we keep, almost everyone feels anxious. However, as per Bhatt, this could point to underlying heart problems. As per him, anxiety and heart disease generally come hand in hand, constant uneasiness can damage the heart over time. "It's hard to know which came first. It's a chicken or egg situation," he says. A 2015 study by Harvard University researchers found that anxiety increases the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) turning fatal by 21 per cent. Sweating Think profuse, excess sweating. This can be due to your heart working overtime to pump blood through blocked passageways. The cardiologist warns that sudden profuse sweating, "especially when a person is not taking part in any physical activity, could be one of the first signs of a heart attack." Leg pain Many of us might consider this a side-effect of getting older, but even this could be an unexpected signal for heart disease. Tingling and pain in the legs are actually major symptoms. It happens due to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). As per Daily Mail, this condition happens when "arteries in the legs become narrow and blocked by the build-up of plaque". Also read | 19-year-old Indian dies of cardiac arrest while dancing Bhatt says that "even doctors don't think about it." "If a person suffers pain, numbness or tingling in the legs while walking, and then it suddenly stops when they take a moment of rest, it could be time to go to the doctor," he adds. Fatigue Getting tired at the end of the day is normal, but chronic fatigue isn't. "Fatigue is a tough one," says Bhatt, "it's a very non-specific symptom. Most fatigue is not due to heart disease, maybe just a bad night's sleep." However, if you are suffering from chronic, constant fatigue, it might be time to see a doctor. Also read | Nearly 100 people die of heart attack in Kanpur within 7 days: Report Stomach problems People suffering from heart disease often report stomach and digestion issues, which get worse as the cardiovascular condition worsens. Sudden and sharp pain, usually in the upper right portion of a person's stomach, could point to heart disease. This often comes with sudden, significant weight loss. While these signs may be innocuous for the majority of people, if they are accompanied by giveaway symptoms like chest tightening or are happening to a person with a history of heart disease, seeking medical help is the right way to go. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cardiologist reveals five common signs that indicate you may be susceptible to heart attack

Why are so many young people dying of heart attacks? Earlier, heart problems were associated with people above the age of 60, but now people in their 30s and 40s are also suffering heart attacks. What do doctors have to say about this disturbing trend? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Why are so many young people dying of heart attacks?