Circaseptan Periodicity of Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

The occurrence of cardiovascular events shows a different distribution during the week, with many studies reporting a Monday peak, possibly related to the role of stress associated with commencing weekly activities. Furthermore, a higher mortality has been observed among patients hospitalized for cardiovascular and other disorders on weekends, a phenomenon known as "weekend effect." Such effect may be explained by a higher level of disease severity among patients admitted over the weekend, and/or by a poorer quality of care associated with shortage of staff, lower experience of personnel, and limited availability of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Circaseptan chronobiology; Day of week; Periodicity; Weekend.