The team aimed to determine whether myocardial infarctions were more likely to occur on major holidays (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, the Epiphany, Good Friday, Easter Eve, Easter Day, Easter Monday, and Midsummer holiday) or major football events (the World Cup and the European Championship tournaments). Based on their analysis, the risk of heart attacks was higher during the Christmas (Eve and Day), New Year's (Eve and Day), and Midsummer holiday dates, but not during the Easter or sporting event dates. The highest observed risk of myocardial infarction was actually on Christmas Eve, when the risk of a heart attack jumped by 37%, with the highest risk time being 10 pm and not the morning hours. This SWEDEHEART of a study is certainly not the first study to show how heart attack risk may vary by time of year, time of day, or event. Nonetheless, it is not surprising that Christmas Eve can be tough on the body, mind, and heart.

Source: Forbes December 17, 2018 05:23 UTC