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We associate this time of year with the joy of spending time with loved ones and celebrating the season. So you may be surprised to learn that more people die from heart attacks during the last week in December than at any other time of the year.

The cardiac community calls this phenomenon the “Christmas holiday effect.” Cardiologists believe the rise in heart issues is caused in part by . Between the holiday hustle and bustle, your health still needs to remain a priority. And signs of potentially serious health complications shouldn’t be ignored.

Why does the risk increase during the holidays?

Some factors that may influence heart attacks during the holidays include:

• It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but the extra joy may also mean extra stress. The stress of the season, disruption of routines and even less sleep may play a role in heart issues.
• We associate this time of year with special treats and food indulgences, but the excess eating and drinking that are common during this time may contribute to more heart issues.
• Cold temperatures during winter increase the risk of a heart attack due to restricted blood flow. Cold air constricts our arteries. But don’t be lulled by warmer temperatures. in December and January than in June through September.

Know the common heart attack warning signs

You can keep an eye on the health of your heart year-round by familiarizing yourself with the common :

1. Pain or discomfort in the chest
2. Lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting
3. Jaw, neck or back pain
4. Discomfort or pain in the arm or shoulder
5. Shortness of breath 

Tips for heart health during the holidays

1. Know the symptoms and take action: When in doubt, get checked out. Heart attack symptoms are emergencies and should be treated immediately. We may get so busy during the holidays that we put off taking care of ourselves. But if you’re experiencing warning signs of a heart attack, time is of the essence. Prompt testing and treatment are critical components of heart attack survival.
   
   “We know for sure is that the sooner medical treatment happens for a heart attack, the better the chances of survival and preventing heart damage,” says Amir Eslami, D.O., with Â鶹ÊÓƵ Cardiology Specialists in Harrisonburg, Va. “That’s why delaying treatment can be deadly.”
2. Bundle up: Your mom was right; wearing a coat matters! When it’s cold, your blood’s clotting agents — proteins that help stop bleeding — become more active. This makes it easier for blood clots to form in your arteries. If a clot forms on top of a fatty buildup (plaque) in an artery, plaque can break open. The dislodged plaque can block blood flow, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke.
3. Limit strenuous activities in the cold: Be cautious when considering intense exercise or activity in cold weather. This is especially true if you may be at a higher risk of a heart attack, such as if you’re over 40 years old or have an inactive lifestyle. Activities like shoveling snow can strain the heart and cause a heart attack.
4. Choose moderation: At this time of year, temptations are everywhere, from tasty treats to higher alcohol consumption. Eat healthy most of the time and save the indulgences for your seasonal favorites.
5. Limit salty foods: Our favorite seasonal dishes may have elevated sodium levels. Too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, so one key element of heart-healthy nutrition is limiting salt intake.
   
   “I recommend monitoring salt intake year-round, particularly for heart patients,” says Dr. Eslami. “Things like richer and saltier foods prepared this time of year can contribute to heart issues like high blood pressure.”
   
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6. Remember self-care: Commit to taking good care of yourself ahead of the season and take stress management seriously. Even a happy holiday can cause stress. A 2023 indicated that nearly nine in 10 say that concerns such as not having enough money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause stress during the holidays.
   
   Self-care includes prioritizing sleep and finding time to enjoy activities that reduce stress. Ideas include:
   • Enjoying your favorite hobbies
   • Meditation
   • Moderate exercise
   • Time with loved ones
   • Yoga
   
   “This can be a difficult time of year due to unrealistic expectations,” explains Dr. Eslami. “It can be even harder for those who may not have a traditional holiday experience. This stress affects our overall health, including heart health. Self-case is one way to help manage the stress.”
   
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7. Don’t forget your medication: The busy season can mean a change of routines and forgetting things, but now is not the time to forget or skip your prescription medications. This is particularly true if you take something for high blood pressure and cholesterol.
8. Get a flu shot: The flu causes stress to your body, which can impact blood pressure, heart rate, and heart function. A growing body of research suggests that .
   
   There is also evidence that getting a flu shot can help lower the risk of cardiac events, especially among people with heart disease. A reported a 26% decreased risk of heart attacks in people who received a flu vaccine and a 33% reduction in cardiovascular deaths.
   
   Heart patients should pay special attention to the types of medication they take for respiratory illnesses such as the flu.
   
   “Some over-the-counter medications can affect how your blood clots if you have heart concerns like high blood pressure,” explains Dr. Eslami. “So you should talk with your doctor before taking them.”

The gift of heart health

This holiday season, give the gift of heart health to yourself and your loved ones by knowing the signs of a heart attack and acting promptly if you suspect a problem.

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Highest rating for heart attack care

The American College of Cardiology recently awarded eight Â鶹ÊÓƵ hospitals the highest rating for heart attack care. In 2024, Â鶹ÊÓƵ was awarded the Chest Pain Center Accreditation based on rigorous on-site evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.