The risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke increases during the holiday season, with a peak in deaths from heart problems between Christmas and New Year’s. “We certainly see this in the emergency room during the end-of-year holidays,” says Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, cardiologist who leads the Framingham Heart Study at Boston University School of Medicine.
So, what causes the “Christmas heart attack” effect and how can you reduce the risk?
Lloyd-Jones explains that the risk factors that put people in danger are present all year round, but the end-of-year holidays can be a tipping point, when multiple factors converge.
“Certainly, the weather contributes, as do the infections that hit us during winter, changes in our lifestyle, disruptions to our routines, and also the holiday stress,” says Lloyd-Jones.
Excessive celebrations with fatty foods and alcohol can overload the heart. And numerous studies show that excess sodium raises blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder.
And while stress is always present, an acute stressor that activates the fight-or-flight response, caused by an argument or difficult situation, can exacerbate the situation, creating a perfect storm.
“When we’re under acute stress, things like our blood pressure can spike, which puts extra strain on the cardiovascular system,” says Lloyd-Jones.
Some people mistake heart attack symptoms for indigestion or overeating. Here are the classic warning signs:
“Sudden onset, usually of strong pressure in the middle of the chest or sudden and unexpected shortness of breath,” explains Lloyd-Jones. “These are two cardinal symptoms that people should never ignore.”
Sometimes, the signs are more subtle. “It’s important to remember that not everyone presents with the classic symptoms, especially women,” says Dr. Tina Shah, cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. She mentions dizziness or pain in the jaw, neck, or back, which can radiate from the chest.
Research shows that the risk of stroke also increases at this time of year, and strokes present differently from heart attacks. To identify the signs, there’s a well-known mnemonic called FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time). “If you notice facial drooping, which is the F in the FAST acronym (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911), or weakness in one arm or leg, or sudden difficulty speaking, then it’s time to call 911 immediately,” says Lloyd-Jones.
Amid holiday travel and gatherings, healthy habits can be neglected. With routines disrupted, people may forget to take their medications, such as those for the heart and blood pressure, says Dr. Luke Laffin, preventive cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic.
“It’s important to make sure you have enough medication for the entire trip,” says Laffin, and if you’re flying, put them in your carry-on so you don’t run out if your checked luggage is lost.
As a doctor, Laffin has witnessed the increase in emergency room admissions during the holidays. He emphasizes the importance of not delaying or avoiding medical care. Some people convince themselves they don’t need to go to the ER, thinking the symptoms will pass, which can be a mistake.
“No one will criticize you for going to the emergency room if your symptoms are concerning,” says Laffin.
Often, when people suspect a heart attack, that’s exactly what’s happening. And seeking immediate treatment is crucial.
“If someone arrives at the hospital with an ongoing heart attack, the faster we restore blood flow with a stent, the difference it can make between the person living an essentially normal life or living with heart failure,” says Laffin.
In summary: better safe than sorry.
Source: npr.org by Allison Aubrey