Holiday heart attacks rise as doctors share hidden triggers, prevention tips

The holidays are known to be a source of stress, between traveling, preparing for family gatherings and indulging in lots of food and drinks.

The uptick of activity can actually put a strain on the heart, a phenomenon known as “holiday heart syndrome.”

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr.Jeremy London addressed this elevated risk in a recent Instagram post, sharing how heart attacks consistently rise around the holidays.

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“Every year, like clockwork, we see a spike in heart attacks around Christmas and New Year’s,” the South Carolina-based surgeon said.“In fact, Christmas Eve is the highest-risk day of the year.”

This is due to a shift in behavior, specifically drinking and eating too much, moving less and beingstressed out, according to London.“Emotional stress, financial stress, the increased pace of the holidays, increased obligations,” he listed.

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Cold weather also causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), according to London, which increases the risk of plaque rupture and the potential for heart attack.

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Dr.

This can happen after an episode ofbinge-drinking alcohol, Hirsch said, which can be exacerbated by holiday celebrations.

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Binge-drinking at any time can drive atrial fibrillation, a cardiologist cautioned.(iStock)

“It’s often a combination of overdoing the alcohol intake along with high salt intake and large meals that can trigger it,” he said.“Adding travel, stress andless sleep, and it lowers the threshold to go into that rhythm.”

The biggest risk related to atrial fibrillation, according to Hirsch, is stroke and other complications from blood clots.Untreated atrial fibrillation can lead to heart failure after a long period of time.

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“The risk of atrial fibrillation increases with age, but also underlying cardiovascular disease risk factors increase the risk, such ashigh blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease,” he added.

Christmas Eve is the “highest risk day of the year” for heart attacks, according to one cardiologist.(iStock)

Preventing a holiday heart event

Holiday heart syndrome is preventable, as Hirsch reminds people that “moderation is key” when celebrating.

managing stress levelsand prioritizing adequate sleep.

“Don’t forget to exercise,” he added.“Even getting in at least 5,000 to 10,000 steps during the holiday can help lower risk, [while] also burning some of theadditional calorieswe are often consuming around the holidays.”

get out and moveevery day.

The various stresses of the holidays can have physical consequences on the body, doctors warn.(iStock)

It’s also important to stay on schedule with anyprescribed medications, London emphasized.He encourages setting reminder alerts, even during the holiday break.

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“Prioritize sleep and mindfulness,” he added.“Take care of yourself during this stressful time.”

London also warned that many people delay having certainhealth concernschecked out until after the holidays, further worsening these conditions.

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“Don’t ignore your symptoms,” he advised.“If you don’t feel right, respond.”