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The holidays are notorious for being stressful, between traveling, preparing for family gatherings, and indulging in lots of food and drink.
The increase in 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, explaining how heart attacks constantly increase during the holidays.
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“Every year, like clockwork, we see an increase in heart attacks around Christmas and New Years,” the South Carolina-based surgeon said. “In fact, Christmas Eve is the highest risk day of the year.”
This is due to a change in behavior, including drinking and eating too much, moving less and being stressed, according to London. “The emotional stress, the financial stress, the accelerated pace of vacations, the increased obligations,” he listed.
According to London, cold weather also causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), which increases the risk of plaque rupture and the risk of heart attack.
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Dr. Glenn Hirsch, chief of the division of cardiology at National Jewish Health in New York, noted in an interview with Fox News Digital that holiday heart syndrome generally refers to the onset of an abnormal heart rhythm or atrial fibrillation.
This can happen after a binge drinking episode, Hirsch said, which can be exacerbated by holiday celebrations.
Excessive alcohol consumption at any time can lead to atrial fibrillation, a cardiologist has warned. (iStock)
“It’s often a combination of excessive alcohol consumption, high salt intake and large meals that can trigger this phenomenon,” he said. “By adding travel, stress and less sleep, it lowers the threshold for getting into that rhythm.”
The biggest risk of atrial fibrillation, according to Hirsch, is stroke and other complications related to blood clots. Untreated atrial fibrillation can lead to heart failure after a long time.
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“The risk of atrial fibrillation increases with age, but underlying risk factors for cardiovascular disease also increase the risk, such as high 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 a cardiologist. (iStock)
Preventing a cardiac event while on vacation
Holiday heart syndrome is preventable, as Hirsch reminds people that “moderation is key” when celebrating.
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The expert recommends avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, overeating (especially salty foods), and dehydration, while managing stress levels and prioritizing adequate sleep.
“Don’t forget to exercise,” he added. “Even taking at least 5,000 to 10,000 steps while on vacation can help reduce risk,” [while] we also burn off some of the extra calories we often consume while on vacation. »
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London agreed, declaring in his video that “movement is medicine” and encouraging people to get out and move every day.
The various stresses of the holidays can have physical consequences on the body, doctors warn. (iStock)
It’s also important to follow the schedule of taking prescribed medications, London emphasized. It encourages the creation of reminder alerts, even during the holidays.
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“Prioritize sleep and mindfulness,” he added. “Take care of yourself during this stressful time.”
London also warned that many people are delaying controlling certain health problems until after the holidays, making these conditions even worse.
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“Don’t ignore your symptoms,” he advised. “If you don’t feel well, respond.”
