Heart Attack Rates Jump at the Holidays—Lower Your Risk

While the holidays are a time of gathering and festivities, they’re also a time when hospitals see a spike in patients with heart attacks and other cardiac emergencies. It turns out that some of the same factors that make the season merry—from classic dishes to family travel—also strain the heart and cardiovascular system.

“Heart attack risk goes up in December for many reasons, like the foods, travel, anxiety, and other stressors that pile up at this time of year,” says cardiologist Marc Eisenberg, MD, co-author of Am I Dying: A Complete Guide to Your Symptoms—and What to do Next. “Everyone gets caught up in gifts, events, and cooking, but at the end of the day, nothing is more important than your health.”

Tips for Minimizing Cardiac Risk

For those who have been diagnosed with a heart-related condition—and for those who haven’t—Dr. Eisenberg shares the following advice:

Don’t ignore new symptoms: Too often, if someone feels short of breath or notices leg swelling near the holidays, they don’t want to stop everyone’s fun, so they figure they’ll just call the doctor later. But that procrastination often creates emergencies, says Dr. Eisenberg. Death is more likely to occur en route to the hospital or in the ER during the holidays, he points out, suggesting that people are waiting too long to address symptoms.

If traveling, reduce your risk of clots: Prolonged sitting in a car or plane increases your risk for developing blood clots in your legs. These clots can break off and move to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be quickly fatal. Lower your risk by taking breaks: on a plane, walk the aisle when you can, or at least move your feet while sitting. If driving, pull into a rest stop or other safe area every hour to walk around.

Try low-salt holiday recipes: “From Thanksgiving through Christmas and Hanukkah, all the holiday foods are very salty, which is a huge issue,” says Dr. Eisenberg. Too much sodium can lead to fluid retention, which worsens high blood pressure. Choosing low-sodium options can help protect your heart health.

Limit alcohol: Doctors use the term “holiday heart” to describe drinking at an event or gathering, then suffering from dizziness, shortness of breath, or palpitations a few days later. Dr. Eisenberg explains these symptoms are a delayed reaction to alcohol, and they could lead to a stroke.

Triple-check your meds: Forgetting blood pressure or other daily medications is a common mistake with holiday travel. Make sure you’ve packed all prescriptions, and if you do forget, contact your doctor so they can call in a supply for the days you’re away.

Use a blood pressure monitor: Blood pressure monitors are easy to pick up at a pharmacy. Have one handy at home or pack one for travel, so if you don’t feel well, you can take a reading in a relaxed position and keep a record of the results. If your reading is very high or very low, especially with symptoms, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Check on aging parents: The holidays often prompt adult kids to visit aging parents, who they may not have seen for a while. “If one of your family members has developed a problem, call their doctor or covering doctor and explain what you’re seeing. Maybe the doctor doesn’t even know,” suggests Dr. Eisenberg. Consider extending your visit to attend a doctor’s appointment if needed.

Relieve stress: Holidays can bring stressors like family conflicts, budget worries, and other anxieties. These stressors can put additional strain on the heart, so taking a moment to pause and breathe deeply can help you put things in perspective.

Get your healthcare up to date beforehand: In the weeks leading up to the holidays, make sure you’ve had all your routine medical check-ups and screening tests. Also, get your COVID-19, flu, and other vaccinations, especially if you’re gathering with anyone who is elderly or very young.