Impact of lunar phase on the incidence of cardiac events

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: Popular opinion holds that the phase of the moon influences human behavior, and several re- ports substantiate this claim; however, reports of correlation between the lunar cycle and cardiac events remain controversial. The purpose of the pre- sent study was to determine whether a relationship exists between lunar cycle and the occurrence of acu- te cardiac events. Methods: A retrospective review of cardiac events, including ST-elevated myocardial in- farction (STEMI), non-ST elevated myocardial in- farction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina, over a 5- year period was performed. The dates of cardiac events were recorded and merged with the four pha- ses of the lunar cycle (new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter). Results: A total of 4751 car- diac events (578 STEMI, 1446 NSTEMI, 2727 unsta- ble angina) occurred during the 5-year study period in 3935 unique patients. Cardiac events occurred equivalently during various phases of the lunar cycle. Conclusions: Despite popular opinion, our evidence suggests that the lunar cycle has no effect on the oc-currence of acute coronary syndromes.