As your clocks spring forward, you may want take extra case of your heart health. Doctors at Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute suggest more people could have heart attacks the Monday following Daylight Saving Time.
Paul Shiffler, of Hummelstown, spends three days a week at Penn State Hershey Cardio Rehab.
Shiffler says, "I was active in sports, I was tired after playing tennis, my doctors diagnosed with after a stress EKG with heart blockage and they placed a stent five years ago."
Doctors say people who are at risk for heart attack could fave a higher risk the Monday after Daylight Saving Time.
Dr. Charles Chambers is an Interventional Cardiologist at Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute. He says, "When you have known circadian variation, a 24 hour variation in things that cause arteries to clot, if you have an instance that might change that variation, you may be more prone to heart attack."
Dr. Chambers says a study from the American College of Cardiology shows there's a 24% spike in heart attacks the day after Daylight Saving Time. Although the study's inconclusive, Dr. Chambers says you should still take preventative measures.
He says, "You don't have to run a marathon, just regular exercise, don't smoke, watch diet, common sense is the best hing you can do."
The healthy lifestyle's exactly what patients like Shiffler are doing to lower their risk every day.
Shiffler says, "Really doesn't trouble me, I've always felt pretty good about my health and this program."