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MI risk rises following daylight savings time
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At-risk individuals may be at increased risk for MI following daylight savings time, according to a researcher at University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Martin Young, PhD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, told Cardiology Today that risk may be increased by as much as 10%.
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“There are a number of possible theories behind the phenomenon of increased MI risk during the 1-hour ‘spring forward,’ Young said in an interview. “This is particularly on the Monday morning and, to a lesser extent, on the Tuesday morning following the time change.”
The opposite is true in October, when the clocks are turned back 1 hour. Then, the risk for MI and other cardiac events decreases by about 10%, according to Young.
Sleep deprivation, alterations in immune function and time changes to the body’s circadian clock may have a role in increasing the risk for MI.
It takes several days for the body’s internal clock to “reset,” Young said.
“For the first couple of days [following daylight savings time], the internal clock is telling the wrong time, which can be associated with an inability of the heart to prepare for waking up,” he said. This phenomenon also affects shift workers and individuals who travel often or are frequently affected by jet lag.
To lower the increased risk for MI following daylight savings time, Young recommended:
- Reducing sleep deprivation by waking up earlier than normal on the Saturday before daylight savings time and the Sunday after the time change.
- More exposure to light after waking in the morning.
- Eating a substantial breakfast.
- Exercising in the morning if approved by a physician.
Disclosure: Dr. Young reports no relevant financial disclosures.