Your risk of heart attack is based on many well-known factors – eating habits, obesity, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol and family history.

But there are also lesser-known factors. Did you know that risk of heart attack is higher at certain times of day, certain times of year and in certain stressful situations?

Research has linked an uptick in heart attacks with heavy physical exertion, emotional upset and even high-intensity sporting events like World Cup soccer.

Heart attacks are also more common in the mornings, on Mondays, and on the Christmas and New Year’s holidays – which are typically times of high stress.

“Certainly work-related stress and state of mind play a role in heart disease,” said Dr. Bradford Warden, executive director of the Mon Health Heart & Vascular Center and chief of cardiology.  “The mind-body connection is formidable. How you handle pressure, negative emotions and stress is truly a matter of the heart.”

Doctors have long known that heart attacks and cardiovascular-related deaths increase during the winter holidays, though factors other than stress may account for the increase. Changes in daily routines and eating and drinking habits could play a role, as well as people who delay medical care for symptoms.

In terms of time of day, heart attacks, sudden cardiac death and strokes are more likely to occur in the morning.

A large international study in 2016 of more than 12,000 first-time heart attack patients found heavy physical exertion, anger and emotional upset doubled the risk of heart attack within an hour. Anger and heavy exertion at the same time tripled the risk.

Heart attacks happen when circulation to the heart is cut off or severely diminished because of a clot in an artery. Emergency treatment including angioplasty and clot-dissolving medication can reopen an artery. Heart cells can die or be damaged if the blockage is not cleared in time.

About 790,000 people in the United States have heart attacks every year, according to the American Heart Association. The average age for a first heart attack is 65 years in men and 71.8 years in women.

Dr. Warden recommends these tips to help prevent heart attack:

  • Manage stress
  • Maintain a healthy blood pressure and healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Don’t smoke

Dr. Warden also recommends that you follow up with your primary care doctor to evaluate risk factors.

Learn more about the Mon Health Heart & Vascular Center at monhealth.com/heart or schedule an appointment at 304-599-8802.

Emily K. Gallagher
Multimedia Coordinator
Marketing Department
Mon Health Medical Center
Morgantown, WV