Researchers reviewed the medical records of 69,493 adults admitted to hospitals for vascular events—strokes, heart attacks and transient ischemic attacks (ministrokes)—over a two-year period.
Result: Vascular events were 27% more likely to occur on patients' birthdays than on other days—and 88% more likely if the patient had a history of high blood pressure.
Theory: Birthdays can trigger emotions that can lead to higher blood pressure, a spike in adrenaline or other reactions that may cause vascular events in at-risk individuals.
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