Heart attack and stroke rates tend to increase during the last two weeks of December, according to Dr. Patricia Vassallo, a cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine. Factors such as cold weather, holiday stress, and disrupted routines may contribute to this trend.
Dr. Vassallo explains that "cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder to pump blood." She adds that holiday stress and changes in routine, including less sleep, more alcohol consumption, and skipped medications, also increase strain on the heart. Activities like shoveling heavy snow can further heighten risks for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
Statistics indicate that more cardiac deaths occur on December 25 than any other day in the U.S., followed by December 26 and January 1. "For some, the season is joyous," Dr. Vassallo notes, "but for others, it can be upsetting or stressful — grieving lost loved ones, managing big holiday gatherings or dealing with in-laws."
She emphasizes the importance of recognizing early symptoms of heart attacks or strokes to save lives. Severe chest pain is a common sign of a heart attack; other indicators include nausea or vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, pain or tingling in various body parts, cold sweat, sensation of heartburn, and sudden fatigue.
For strokes, Dr. Vassallo advises using the mnemonic FAST: Face drooping; Arm or leg weakness on one side; Speech difficulty; Time to call 911.
To reduce cardiac event risks during the holidays, Dr. Vassallo suggests dressing warmly with layers including hats and gloves when outside in cold weather and taking frequent breaks indoors. She also recommends limiting alcohol intake as it may create a false sense of warmth when outside.
She advises against prolonged shoveling without consulting a doctor first if there are existing health concerns. Additionally, she highlights the importance of handwashing to prevent respiratory infections that could elevate heart attack risks.
Dr. Vassallo stresses not delaying medical help for new symptoms even if they arise during holiday periods.