Studies show increase of heart attacks, strokes after daylight savings switch

TOLEDO — Scientific researchers have noticed a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes in the days following the annual change to daylight savings time, the American Heart Association has reported.Daylight savings time, the practice of setting clocks an hour ahead of standard time to achieve longer evening daylight in the summer months, is scheduled to begin at 12 a.m., on Sunday.And the transition may present some health challenges, the American Heart Association says in a press release.A study across Michigan showed a 24% increase in heart attacks on the Monday following the switch to daylight savings time, according to the release. In Finland, researchers found that the overall rate of ischemic stroke was 8% higher during the first two days after a daylight savings time transition. And, the release says, other research has generally found that serious heart attacks occur more frequently on Mondays than on other days of the week."We don't really know exactly why there is an increase in heart attacks and strokes during the change to daylight savings time," American Heart Association volunteer expert Dr. Ehab Eltahawy, who is also Division of Cardiology Chief at the University of Toledo, was quoted as saying in the release. "It's important to be aware of this increased risk, especially if you already have heart disease or other risk factors. Recognize the signs of a heart attack or stroke and call 9-1-1 if you or someone you're with experience any of those symptoms."The heart association offers a few tips to get ahead of the time change: Start now to get outside for as much natural light as possible each day; begin winding down a little earlier in the evenings ahead; do not compensate with extra caffeine."We know that the amount and the quality of sleep a person gets at any time of the year is essential to good health," Eltahawy was quoted as saying in the release. "... In addition to increasing the risk for cardiovascular conditions like heart attack and stroke, lack of sleep may also put people at risk of things like depression, cognitive decline and obesity."The American Heart Association recommends seven to nine hours of sleep daily for adults; eight to 10 hours daily for those ages 13 to 18; 9 to 12 hours daily for those ages 6 to 12; and 10 to 16 hours daily for those ages 5 and under.