The GMB and Lorraine star is urging people to take preventative steps
ITV regular health expert Dr Amir Khan has taken to social media to warn people when they are most at risk of heart attacks. In a new post on Instagram, the GP who is known for his stints on Good Morning Britain (GMB) and Lorraine, shared some medical advice with his many followers.
In a video, he explained: “Guys did you know you are more likely to suffer a heart attack on a Monday, and not only that, it’s more likely to be a serious type of heart attack too.”
He explained that research indicates you could be “up to 13% more likely to suffer a heart attack on a Monday compared to other days of the week”, with one study suggesting the risk peaks on Monday morning.
While the exact factors are unknown, Dr Amir made an educated guess as he said: “It’s likely to be due to a number of reasons. Firstly, stress and anxiety may play a part. The transition from a relaxed weekend to a work week can cause stress levels to go high, which can push up your blood pressure, and heart rate.
“It may also push up your stress hormone, cortisol, more than normal. Our circadian rhythm may also play a part as it changes on a Monday, that’s our body clock.
“Waking up earlier and a change in sleep pattern could put additional strain on our heart. And the weekends may have involved indulgences like overeating, alcohol, and lack of exercise, which may all contribute.”
Offering advice on maintaining good health, Dr Amir recommends sticking to a well-rounded diet and getting some physical activity in during the weekend, stating it’s important to “try to get good quality sleep, even on weekends too” He continued: “Stay hydrated, and ease into your work week. Go to bed nice and early on a Sunday night, don’t schedule in too many stressful work tasks on a Monday morning that fill you with dread, and don’t look at your emails on a Sunday night.
“And consider starting Monday mornings with some light exercise, meditation, and breathing work.” He also advises anyone aged 40 or over to have an at-home blood pressure monitor.
He added: “If it’s persistently high, that’s 135 over 85 or more, regularly, then speak to your doctor.”
