(UNDATED) The last week of December is supposed to be about celebration and rest. But it’s also the most frequent time of year for heart attacks.
Doctors say a mix of holiday habits and winter weather plays a big role.
“We tend to overindulge around the holidays,” said Dr. Arthur Coffey of ProHealth Care in Waukesha and a Milwaukee-area American Heart Association board member. “We eat too much food. We take in too much alcohol. The weather tends to be cold. And there’s high stress situations that attend to the holidays.”
Cold air can put extra strain on the heart. Coffey said breathing in chilled air can cause coronary arteries to clamp down, making heart attacks more likely — especially when combined with heavy meals, alcohol, and stress.
Heart attacks aren’t more deadly this time of year, just more frequent. Coffey said all heart attacks carry about a 20 to 30 percent mortality rate.
People who are overweight, have diabetes or smoke face higher risk. But doctors stress that any adult can have a heart attack, even without known health problems.
The classic warning sign is crushing chest pain — often described as feeling like an elephant sitting on the chest. But symptoms can vary. Pain may spread to the jaw, neck or arms, or show up as nausea, shortness of breath or upper abdominal pain. Women often experience less typical symptoms.
Coffey urges people not to ignore warning signs, especially when regular doctors’ offices are closed.
“If something feels off, get checked,” he said. Coffey spoke with our sister station, 620 WTMJ.
Doctors say small changes can lower risk during the holidays. Eat sensibly, moderate alcohol, cut back on smoking and try to manage stress. When heading outside in cold weather, covering your face can also help.
