Most people think of the holidays as a time of joy, family, and celebration. But research shows that the last week of December can actually be the deadliest time of year for heart attacks.
The American Heart Association warns that this is the time to be especially careful and pay attention to your heart health.
Several studies confirm that more people die from heart problems during the holidays than at any other time of the year. One study published in the journal Circulation found that December 25 sees the highest number of heart-related deaths in the U.S., followed closely by December 26 and January 1.
Another study from the British Medical Journal looked at more than 16 years of data from Sweden. It found a 15% rise in heart attacks during the winter holidays, with the biggest jump—37%—happening on Christmas Eve around 10 p.m. This risk was even higher for people over 75, those with diabetes, or those with past heart problems.
Doctors believe several things may be behind this increase. According to Dr. Michael Tanoue, a cardiologist in Hawai’i and board president of the American Heart Association’s local chapter, the holidays often bring more stress, richer food, more alcohol, and less exercise.
People also tend to ignore warning signs of a heart attack or stroke because they don’t want to spend the holidays in the hospital.
But ignoring symptoms can be deadly. Dr. Tanoue says that if you’re not feeling right, it’s better to get checked out than to risk your health. Fast medical attention can save your life—and let you enjoy many more holidays with your loved ones.
You might also be the one to save someone else’s life. If you see someone having a heart attack or collapsing from cardiac arrest at a party, a shopping mall, or a family dinner, starting CPR immediately and calling 911 could mean the difference between life and death. That’s why learning Hands-Only CPR is so important.
The American Heart Association encourages at least one person in every family to learn it. They even have a short, easy-to-follow video at Heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR. Watching it together could be a meaningful and possibly life-saving family activity this holiday season.
The holidays are also a perfect time to talk about your family’s health history. Heart disease and stroke often run in families. If your parents, siblings, or grandparents have had heart problems, your risk may be higher, too. But knowing your family history gives you the power to take preventive steps.
There are several things you can do to stay heart-healthy during the holidays. First, know the signs of a heart attack or stroke and act quickly if they appear. The faster you get medical help, the better your chances of recovery. Second, eat and drink in moderation.
You don’t have to give up your favorite treats, but try to make small healthy choices and avoid too much salt. Third, make time for yourself. The holidays can be stressful, so try to relax and find moments of peace. Fourth, keep moving.
Aim for 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Even a walk with your family can help. Finally, don’t forget your medications. Busy holiday schedules can lead to missed doses or delays in refills. Keep track with a medication chart and monitor your blood pressure.
By being aware and taking care of yourself, you can enjoy the holidays without putting your heart at risk. The best gift you can give yourself and your family is good health.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that vitamin K helps cut heart disease risk by a third, and a year of exercise reversed worrisome heart failure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about supplements that could help prevent heart disease, stroke, and results showing this food ingredient may strongly increase heart disease death risk.
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