Recent research has revealed that certain genetic traits could increase an individual’s susceptibility to heart attacks during stressful times such as national holidays, elections, or major sporting events. This inherited vulnerability sheds light on a phenomenon that has long been observed but not fully understood.

Lead author Dr. Shady Abohashem highlighted that individuals genetically predisposed to stress have a significantly higher risk of suffering a heart attack after experiencing stressful events. This finding has significant implications for understanding the link between stress and cardiovascular health.

Medical professionals have previously noted a surge in heart attacks during significant events like Christmas, the Super Bowl, and election periods. This study marks the first attempt to investigate the genetic factors that may contribute to this trend. The researchers identified a subgroup of individuals with a heightened susceptibility to stress, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms.

The study analyzed data from nearly 18,500 individuals who participated in the Mass General Brigham Biobank, providing both health information and blood samples. One of the key metrics examined was the neuroticism polygenic risk score (nPRS), a measure of genetic predisposition to stress.

Over the 20-year study period from 2000 to 2020, 1,890 participants experienced acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which encompasses various conditions, including heart attacks. Individuals with an nPRS above the median were found to have a 34% higher likelihood of experiencing ACS during stressful periods, even after accounting for other factors.