An Unwelcome Birthday Surprise

Canadian doctors decided to see if there was any connection between severe vascular adverse events, such as heart attack, stroke or TIA, and birthday celebrations. And they found one, according to their report in the journal Neurology.

The researchers analyzed the timing of all such vascular emergencies admitted to Ontario hospitals for 2 years (2002 – 2004). They concentrated their calculations on the numbers of daily events and weekly event on or around the patients’ birthdays.

There were 29,000 heart attacks, 24,000 strokes, and 16,000 TIAs during the selected period. These vascular incidents were 27% more likely to occur on a birthday than on any other day in the year. They were 88% more likely in subjects with known high blood pressure. There were no increases on the other days in the birthday weeks. And there was no increased risk for asthma, appendicitis or head injury on birthdays. Stroke and TIAs occurred at average ages of 73 and 71, respectively, while heart attacks were seen at an average age of 68.

Knowing that birthdays pose an increased risk – possibly because of stress effects – may allow older people to take preventive steps. “Avoid cold temperatures, excessive exertion, and salt and alcohol consumption”, say the investigators. In other words, don’t have so much fun.