Abstract
A two-peaked circadian variation in acute myocardial infarction has been demonstrated, with a morning peak attributed to physiological changes produced by nocturnal sleep. To investigate the causes of the secondary peak, we compared meal habits and circadian variation in patients with acute myocardial infarction who were accustomed to afternoon naps (group A) to those who were not (group B). One hundred and fifty two patients formed group A and 65 group B. The main meal was lunch in group A (77%) and dinner in group B (74%). Both groups displayed a significant circadian variation, (group A: x 2 = 51.3, group B: x 2 = 60.4, both p < 0.0001), but the secondary peak occurred earlier (2pm–4pm) in group A, than in group B (6pm–8pm). We conclude that ingestion of the main daily meal, followed by a period of physical inactivity, with or without sleep, is a trigger for acute myocardial infarction.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
