Heart attacks and strokes do not tend to be fatal on Saturdays or Sundays, but rather on Mondays. Notably, the number of men who die on this day increases by 20 times the normal rate, while for women, it’s 15 times higher. Scientists have discovered a link between the sudden cessation of heart function on Mondays and the return to work after a weekend break.
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According to a study from Scotland, researchers do not rule out that the sudden increase in heart disease may be due to stress from the anticipation of a demanding work week, but they have also identified other causes: alcohol! Research findings from Scotland, England, and Italy indicate that heavy drinking over the weekend can lead to severe consequences on the first day of the week.
So, what happens to the heart on Mondays? Why does it lead to sudden death? Experts state that in most cases, one of the blood vessels supplying the heart ruptures. The heart may also stop beating due to certain hormones—such as cortisone—or hormones that emerge during the nervous system’s activity, which our brains cannot control. In such cases, the heart’s rhythm changes, leading to serious repercussions.
Does age matter in these cases? The answer is no. It is evident that those who die are often individuals over 65, but even younger people are not exempt from this danger. The “Monday effect” is particularly pronounced in Europe, the USA, and Australia, but it does not apply in China.
In China, people are more likely to die from heart issues on Saturdays, and to a lesser extent, on Sundays. This principle also does not apply to the Japanese. Notably, Japanese women often succumb to heart disease on Saturdays (for those who handle household chores, Saturday tends to be busier). Meanwhile, those working in offices rarely experience sudden heart failure on Mondays.
The differences between Europe and Asia may be explained by tradition (changes in lifestyle pace over the weekend) or religion (Jewish and Muslim followers may observe different laws during their days of rest); however, this possibility has yet to be thoroughly researched.
Understanding why people are more vulnerable on Mondays could help mitigate these risks: organizing time in a way that prevents work from becoming overly stressful at the start of the week. However, there is still no medication for the “Black Monday” syndrome!
TRAN DUC THANH
