- The holiday season is the time everyone waits for, but there is a health alert for heart
- The American Heart Association says heart attacks are more likely to occur during this period
- Following a few simple steps can keep the heart healthy with celebrations
An analysis published in the British Medical Journal found that the risk of having a heart attack is about 37 percent higher during the winter holiday season, with people over the age of 75 and those with chronic health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes at greater risk.
The heart may get excited to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but a nasty surprise known as the heart attack awaits.
Why Holiday Season Is Fatal To Heart?
A heart attack is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked. It happens due to a combination of factors and not just a single element.A holiday season may contribute to such factors for a few reasons. They include:
Stress — Whether it is travel stress or feeling financially exhausted from shopping for gifts during a holiday season can put a lot of strain on the brain to produce more stress hormones such as cortisol, which are bad for heart health.
Skipping medications — Busy holiday schedule may make people skip their medications. People will also forget them when they are away from home or cannot get refills promptly.
Weight gain — People are too busy to exercise during the holidays, or take a break from a routine healthy lifestyle, resulting in weight gain. This unhealthy lifestyle and weight gain have a long-lasting effect on the heart.
How to Avoid a Holiday Heart Attack?
It is important to be aware of heart attack risks during the holiday season. Follow a few simple steps advised by the American Heart Association for a happy, healthy holiday season.Celebrate in moderation — Holiday season is known for unhealthy changes in diet and higher alcohol consumption. Look for healthy food alternatives while eating and drinking in moderation, and don’t forget to watch the sodium intake.
Take care of mental health — Reduce stress from family interactions, strained finances, hectic schedules, and other stressors that happen during a holiday season, including traveling.
Keep moving — Stay active even during a holiday season by going for a family walk or other fun activity with loved ones. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
Take regular medications — Order medication refills and plan a doctor visit in advance to check for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.
Sound sleep — Get enough sleep even during a holiday season to cope with unhealthy habits.
Avoid exposure to cold — Cold climate can raise blood pressure and slow down the flow of blood to the heart, which can lead to a heart attack. Cardiologists recommend covering the mouth and nose with a scarf to help warm the breathing air.
Be prepared for heart-healthy holidays to avoid heart attacks.
References:
- What is a Heart Attack? - (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks)
- Holiday Heart Syndrome: ‘Tis the Season for the Christmas Coronary - (https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/holiday-heart-syndrome.html)
- Heart attack deaths more likely during winter holiday season than any other time of year - (https://newsroom.heart.org/news/heart-attack-deaths-more-likely-during-winter-holiday-season-than-any-other-time-of-year)
Source-Medindia