Vacations that involve traveling, preparing for family gatherings, and enjoying lots of food and drink are known to cause stress.
Increased activity can actually put a strain on the heart, a phenomenon known as .holiday heart syndrome. ”
Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeremy London addressed this increased risk in a recent Instagram post, sharing how heart attacks consistently increase around the holidays.
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“Every year, like clockwork, we see a spike in heart attacks around Christmas and New Year’s,” the South Carolina-based surgeon said. “In fact, Christmas Eve is the most dangerous day of the year.”
This is due to changes in behavior, specifically drinking and eating too much, less movement, and changes in physical condition. I’m stressed outAccording to the London News Agency. “Mental stress, financial stress, increased pace of vacation, increased obligations,” he said.
According to London, cold weather also causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), which increases the risk of plaque rupture and the likelihood of a heart attack.
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Dr. Glenn Hirsch, chief of cardiology at National Jewish Health in New York, said in an interview with Fox News Digital that holiday heart syndrome usually refers to the development of an abnormal heart rhythm, or atrial fibrillation.
This may occur after the following episodes binge drinking alcoholHirsch said holiday celebrations could make the situation worse.
“A combination of excessive alcohol consumption, high salt intake, and large meals is often the cause,” he says. “When you add travel and stress, sleep lessAnd the threshold for entering that rhythm is lowered. ”
The biggest risks associated with atrial fibrillation are stroke and other complications from blood clots, Hirsch said. If atrial fibrillation is not treated, it can lead to heart failure after a long period of time.
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“The risk of atrial fibrillation increases with age, but underlying cardiovascular disease risk factors also increase risk, including: high blood pressureobesity, diabetes, sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease,” he added.
Hirsch reminds people that “moderation is key” when celebrating, so holiday heart syndrome is preventable.
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Experts recommend avoiding binge drinking, overeating (especially salty foods), and dehydration. Managing stress levels And prioritize getting enough sleep.
“Don’t forget to exercise,” he added. “Walking at least 5,000 to 10,000 steps during your vacation can reduce your risk. [while] You can also burn some additional calories We often consume around the holidays. ”
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London agreed, saying in a video that “exercise is medicine” and encouraging people to: get out and move every day.
It’s also important to stick to a schedule no matter what. prescribed medicineemphasized London. He encourages setting reminder alerts even on vacation.
“Prioritize sleep and mindfulness,” he added. “Please take care of yourself during this stressful time.”
London also warned that many people are delaying taking certain medications. health concerns The situation got even worse as we were checked out until after the holidays.
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“Don’t ignore your symptoms,” he advised. “React if you don’t feel well.”
