Stress, poor diet and increased alcohol consumption around the holidays are responsible for the increase in heart attack deaths this time of year.
Cardiologists have reported a 15 percent increased risk of fatal heart attacks each year at the end of the holidays, especially Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The tragedy mainly affects older people and people with risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure and smoking.
In addition to stress and poorer nutrition around the holidays, experts point to a lack of sleep and an inability to recognize signs of a problem, including chest pain, shortness of breath and dizziness.
All of these factors combine to create what cardiologists call “vacation heart syndrome.”
Cardiologists report a 15 percent higher risk of fatal heart attacks at the end of the holiday season each year
Every year, millions of Americans suddenly change their eating, drinking and exercise habits during the holidays.
For many, festive dishes, festive drinks and social gatherings are essential ingredients for a happy holiday.
But the mindset that the holidays are a time of innocent fun can be harmful, especially for people who are already prone to heart problems.
Dr. Johanna Contreras, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital System in New York City and an American Heart Association volunteer, said, “The holidays bring a lot of extra stress to a lot of people. There are a lot of parties and family gatherings where many tend to to enjoy delicious food and drink.”
Holiday heart syndrome is usually associated with a sudden increase in alcohol consumption, which leads to irregular heart rhythms called atrial fibrillation.
Other factors, including stress, dehydration and eating too many rich or salty foods, can also cause irregular heartbeats in certain people and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The term “Vacation Heart Syndrome” was coined in 1978 by dr. Philip Ettinger came up with it after discovering a link between heart arrhythmias and excessive drinking, especially on weekends and holidays.
The deadly phenomenon was first reported in 2004 in a study published in Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association.
In it, researchers found that there was an approximately 4.65 percent increase in cardiac deaths and a five percent increase in non-cardiac deaths during the winter holidays, compared to what would be expected if the holidays had no effect on deaths.
The risk of a serious heart attack is greater on Monday
Analysis of health data shows that the risk of a heart attack is 13 percent higher on the first day of the work week.
Later studies confirmed this. A British Medical Journal study published in 2018 found that heart attacks increase by 15 percent among people in Sweden during the winter holidays.
More specifically, the number of heart attacks increased by 37 percent on Christmas Eve, peaking around 10 p.m. and occurring more frequently in people over 75.
The 2023 holiday is likely to be deadlier than previous years, with more serious heart attacks occurring on Mondays than any other day of the week.
Both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on a Monday this year.
And the excitement surrounding the holidays can mask warning signs. At the same time, people are generally less likely to go to the doctor during the holidays.
Dr. Contreras said: “During this joyous time of year when we gather with family and friends, no one wants to think about tragedy. However, these frightening facts are very sobering.”
In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds, and overall, more than 800,000 Americans have a heart attack each year.
The death rate from heart attacks used to be up to 50 percent. Today, more than 90 percent of people survive.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
