How to avoid a holiday heart attack
Every year, cardiologists see a spike in heart attacks once the weather starts to turn. When temperatures drop, blood vessels tend to constrict, raising blood pressure. You may want to think twice before you decide to shovel your stoop or take a postprandial hike in bitter weather, as strenuous physical activity can leave you clutching your chest.
But cold weather isn't the only culprit. Come Christmas Day, many people confuse the signs of a heart attack—like shortness of breath or chest pains—with indigestion from a big dinner. And while you may be apt to play it safe on any other day, hauling yourself down to the hospital may seem like too much of a hassle on a big holiday.
Instead, many people ignore the telltale signs of a heart attack until they wake up on the 26th, still feeling that discomfort. But by then it may be too late. "If you're having a heart attack, studies show that you can't wait longer than 12 hours to be treated," says Dr. Sharma. So if you wait until December 26, you may be playing with your fate.
Listen to your body over the long holiday haul and don't dismiss any discomfort as a by-product of overindulgence. Keep an eye on any friends or family members who have had a heart attack in the past.
Breaking diet rules and heart failure
Patients with heart failure who are following a low-sodium diet need to exercise extra caution this Christmas. Experts say that these people may choose not to live within their everyday rules, opting to partake in holiday overindulgences instead. Heavy meals, too much salt, and excess alcohol can all exacerbate heart failure.
"Doctors need to make a point of telling their patients not to overindulge," says Dr. Sharma. "Ultimately, though, it's the patients who are going to decide what to do."
But everyone, not just heart patients, can benefit from watching what they eat. "We need to try to stay healthy through the holidays, not wait until January 1," says Dr. Fletcher. "You can't keep your resolution if you don't live through the holidays."
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