Heart Attack Risk Higher During the Holidays

heart attack during holiday season

It is the gloomiest holiday statistic, but Christmas and New Year’s are on the top list of dangerous days for heart-attack deaths and cardiovascular problems.

“Research shows that cardiovascular deaths increase about 18 percent during the winter season,” says Los Angeles cardiologist Cynthia Thaik, M.D. There are several factors during the holiday season that seem to be hard on the heart and cause you to become more susceptible to chest pain, racing heart rates, heart-attacks or sadly even death. Learning about the risk factors for holiday heart attacks, and taking steps to protect your heart could save your life this holiday season!

Heart Attack Weather?

Research shows that heart attacks are more deadly in the winter time regardless of the area you live in. If you live in an areas where it snows in the winter, you may need to take precautions to protect your heart while shoveling snow. The cold weather can make blood vessels constrict causing blood pressure to rise and the heart to work harder. In Southern California we are fortunate to enjoy a temperate climate, and occasionally even beach weather on Christmas! However, regardless of whether you are shoveling snow on Christmas, or surfing on Hannukah, the winter holidays season are associated with a higher incidence of heart attacks.

Why Winter?

The added stress of the holiday season combined with the following play a role in increasing a person’s risk of cardiac problems during the winter:

  • flu epidemic
  • shorter and darker days
  • being indoors more often
  • rich holiday foods
  • increased alcohol consumption
  • air quality changes in home due to wood burning fireplace

In addition, some people choose to wait until they get home to seek medical treatment for their symptoms.

Preventing Holiday Heart Attacks

The risk of cardiovascular problems is greater this time of year due to a combination of all factors mentioned above, which all of us experience during the holidays. Here are some strategies for you and your loved ones to stay healthy this winter season:

  1. Get a flu shot, if you haven’t already. Recent research shows that getting a flu shot can reduce a person’s risk of heart problems by as much as 50 percent.
  2. Keep warm. Wear layers of clothes when you step outside to help keep warm, remember that the cold weather can make your blood vessels constrict.
  3. Don’t forget your medications. Several people tend to slack off on their medications during the holidays. Make sure you continue following your existing medication regimen.
  4. Maintain good habits. With all the holiday celebrations and rich foods everywhere make sure you keep good eating habits and regular exercise routine.
  5. Don’t be an early bird! Several people may try to get up earlier to try and start their day since it gets dark out sooner. However, Thaik suggests keeping early morning activities to a minimum during the winter because the heart takes time to warm up.
  6. Never ignore warning signs. Even if it’s Christmas Day make sure to never ignore warning signs of a heart attack. If you are traveling, don’t be afraid to inconvenience your family or wait until you get home to see your cardiologist. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you think you may be experiencing a heart attack.

Don’t become a holiday heart attack statistic. You have the power to control your health during the holidays and beyond. Take the first step today. Learn more about Preventive Cardiology Los Angeles or schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Thaik today.

About the author

Dr. Cynthia Thaik, M.D., FACC is a Harvard-trained cardiologist serving the greater Los Angeles community at her holistic health center in Burbank and Valencia, CA. Dr. Thaik is the author of Your Vibrant Heart: Restoring Health, Strength, and Spirit from the Body’s Core. To learn more about Dr. Thaik or the Holistic Healing Heart Center, or to schedule an appointment, please contact info@drcynthia.com or call (818) 842-1410.