Eat, drink and enjoy the outdoors and family gatherings—in moderation, say those who see an increase in heart emergencies during the holiday season.
Cardiac emergencies spike 30% on Christmas Eve, according to American Medical Response, which provides emergency medical services in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., region.
“Throughout the holidays, we often see people ignore warning signs of heart trouble because they don’t want to disrupt family celebrations,” said Dr. Ed Racht, Chief Medical Officer of Global Medical Response.
“Whether it’s chest pain, a racing heartbeat, or a sudden collapse, these symptoms could signal a heart attack, dangerous arrhythmia, or even cardiac arrest. Time is critical in these emergencies. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, don’t wait—call 911 right away.”
Research shows more people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year, according to the American Heart Association.
The journal Circulation reports that the highest number of cardiac deaths occur on Christmas Day, followed by December 26 and January 1.
Why the spike? Experts cite multiple factors: overeating, salty meals, excessive alcohol, emotional stress, cold temperatures, and delaying medical help during family gatherings.
Heart attacks happen when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. Warning signs include chest discomfort (often mistaken for heartburn), pain in arms/back/neck/jaw/stomach, or shortness of breath. Cold sweats, nausea, rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and unusual fatigue are also possible signs.
If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms, seek emergency help immediately. Emergency responders can provide life-saving treatment and alert hospitals in advance.
“Rapid treatment significantly improves survival,” Racht emphasized. “Driving yourself or waiting to see if symptoms improve can delay critical care.”
To stay safe: eat and drink in moderation, stay hydrated, take your medications, and warm up before engaging in cold-weather activities.
Holidays can also support heart health. “Laughing and sharing joy can increase blood flow by up to 20% and ease heart strain,” said Racht.
“Make laughter a priority,” he added. “If something doesn’t feel right, listen to your body and seek help. Let’s make this holiday season joyful and heart-healthy.”
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk, and herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer, and results showing strawberries could help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
