While the holidays are meant for celebrations and time with family, research shows it’s also one of the most dangerous times for heart health.<\/p>\n
While the holidays are meant for celebrations and time with family, research shows it\u2019s also one of the most dangerous times for heart health.<\/p>\n
The American Heart Association said there are more cardiac-related deaths<\/a> between Christmas Day and New Year\u2019s Day than any other time of the year.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s important that people are aware of this trend,\u201d said Brian Case, an interventional cardiologist at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center.<\/p>\n \u201cBe mindful of your health during the holidays,\u201d Case said.<\/p>\n What could cause heart issues on holiday break? He said one aspect is stress.<\/p>\n \u201cFriends and family, that always could create some stress. And then also for people who don\u2019t have friends and family who are alone, there\u2019s an increased risk for stress and associated depression,\u201d Case said.<\/p>\n Another reason is changes in habits surrounding food and drinking.<\/p>\n \u201cYou might be drinking more, more alcohol intake, maybe a poor diet, less exercise during the holidays,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He said the classic symptoms of heart attacks are chest pain on the left side, shortness of breath and sweating. But sometimes, you can catch other signs such as feeling weak, fatigue and some reflux or discomfort in your stomach.<\/p>\n \u201cSo if you\u2019re feeling any of these symptoms, it\u2019s definitely important to get evaluated sooner than later,\u201d Case said.<\/p>\n Case said the American Heart Association found that there is a 37% increase<\/a> in heart attack deaths on Christmas Eve and a 15% increase in heart attack deaths between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.<\/p>\n