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Heart attacks increase the Monday after Daylight Saving Time

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – As people set their clocks forward for daylight saving time they should worry about more than just losing an extra hour of sleep. Instead, the worry should lie with heart health.

The tiresome feeling is a small price to pay for the onset of spring, but a new study suggests for some it may be a hazard to their health.

The study, found in the journal Open Heart, reveals the number of reported heart attacks increased by 24% on the Monday following spring’s Daylight Saving Time. That number is compared with the daily average for the weeks surrounding the start of the time change.

The study also found that heart attack numbers fell by 21% in the fall when people gain an hour of sleep with Daylight Saving Time.

The report doesn’t outline reasons why the numbers change so drastically, but researchers suggest lack of sleep and added stress could trigger a heart attack in those who are already at risk.

With this in mind, those at risk of a heart attack shouldn’t delay a trip to the emergency room if they feel chest pain.