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Dr Stéphane Manzo-Silberman (Interventional Cardiologist)
According to the American Heart Association, December 25, 26 and January 1 are three dates particularly affected by heart attacks in Western countries. Several factors explain the risk factors specific to this period.
If the end of year holidays and family celebrations are often synonymous with joy and reunions, they should not make you forget to take care of yourself. The American Heart Association (AHA) has published a prevention message for people at cardiovascular risk.
Beware of the Christmas heart attack!
Indeed, the AHA reports that the three most common days for these fatal cardiac events are December 25, 26, and January 1. Those with pre-existing conditions are at higher risk of heart attack. “We see every year, during the coldest months, an increase of about 10% in the rate of fatal cardiovascular events. But around Christmas or New Year, there is an additional increase of 5%”, reports Mich Elkind, chief of clinical sciences for the American Heart Association. A finding that also exists in France.
Several associated risk factors during the holidays
Why is the risk greater on these specific dates? Between preparations, gifts and family, the holiday season is usually stressful and tiring. But these are not the major factors. According to the doctors quoted, the cold would already be in question: by causing a reduction in the diameter of the blood vessels to maintain a suitable temperature, the cardiovascular system is already put under pressure. Which is a first explanation.
For Dr. Stéphane Manzo-Silberman cardiologist and member of the Doctissimo expert committee contacted on the subject, several risk factors can also coexist in winter, and especially during the holidays.
“It is above all a period conducive to cardiac decompensation: with the cold, we already tend to consume more calories. Holiday meals are rich and often far too salty, as are oysters. And when you have heart failure, you can afford to eat a festive dish, but with restrictions, respecting the diet given by your doctor. Eating one or two oysters for example is OK, but having fun with a dozen is dangerous”.
Finally, the cardiologist mentions a social factor that can also impact health:
“It’s also a period when people naturally don’t want to be constrained, don’t want to consult. Result: even if they feel embarrassed, they will delay their meeting at the start of the school year. This is how we find ourselves on December 25 having to call for help.
The doctor reminds you that the cardiologists and doctors are there to see you, whatever the day and that you should not hesitate to consult in the slightest doubt.
In order to have a good holiday, The American Heart Association recalls some good prevention practices, as relevant in the United States as in France:
- Know the symptoms of a heart attack and do not wait to call for help at the slightest alert (even if it’s Christmas Day). These symptoms are in humans: chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness and cold sweats. In women: chest discomfort, but also jaw, neck or back pain, nausea and shortness of breath, among others;
- Celebrate in moderation. This does not mean depriving yourself, but keeping a varied diet, without excess, without alcohol abuse and monitoring your salt intake;
- keep moving : doctors recommend at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week and this number generally decreases during the hustle and bustle of the holidays;
- Finally, be vigilant with your medications : despite the holidays, it is important not to skip takes, to forget them at home, or to miss a renewal.