True story: After analyzing 20 years of data, Swedish scientists discovered something unusual. In the week following the clocks springing forward, they noted an average 5% increase in heart attacks, with a 10% jump on the following Tuesday. What’s more, this effect was detected in people under age 65. The lost sleep apparently throws off our internal body clocks, which increases blood pressure, raises heart rate, and promotes inflammation and clotting. Since most of us are too busy to immediately reclaim that lost hour, the stress of the shift persists through the week.
But the clock change isn’t the only time to watch out for. There are other times when our hearts are under extra pressure and we don’t realize it.
Mornings in general. The heart beats more slowly at night than during the day, so it needs to wake up gradually. If we rush into the day, the adrenaline that’s released can stress the heart. In fact, heart-attack risk is 40% higher in the a.m.
Mondays in particular. The start of the work week is the most stressful time for the heart. Twenty percent more heart attacks occur on this day than on any other. It’s similar to the time-change effect: We stay up and sleep later on weekends, which disrupts our body clocks. Try to maintain a set sleep schedule all week.
After big meals. Whenever we overindulge, we’re treating our hearts like diner dishwashers, forcing them to work overtime scrubbing excess fat and calories from our systems. Blood actually becomes stickier and more prone to clotting after a big meal.
During exercise. Working out strengthens the heart but we need to make sure to always warm up beforehand and taper into new activities. This includes physical labor such as shoveling snow. Because the heart is a muscle, sudden strenuous activity can strain it.
At the amusement park. What, you’re surprised by this? Haven’t you been reading those warning signs on the rides? Any sudden scare or jolt triggers a rush of adrenaline that spikes heart rate and blood pressure.
At a funeral. It is possible to die of a broken heart. Adrenaline, the body’s fight-or-flee hormone, is once again responsible. Only this time instead of coming in one big blast, it stresses the heart for weeks or months at a time. This is why sharing grief is so important.
Before a presentation. Any major dread or fear, such as public speaking, can stress the heart. Keep things in perspective. Breathe.
Fortunately, there is one day when we can relax. Those same Swedish scientists found that the risk of heart attack declines by 5% in the fall when we set the clocks back.
For more easy ways to move toward a heart-healthier lifestyle, join in this Heart to Heart conversation.
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
