Why the Day After Christmas Is Hazardous to Your Heart

Why the Day After Christmas Is Hazardous to Your Heart

December 26 is historically one of the most dangerous days of the year for people vulnerable to cardiac problems, including heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure. And many of these so-called Merry Christmas coronaries will hit people who didn't even realize they were at risk when they unwrapped their gifts the day before.

But the holiday season isn't good for heart health to begin with. Britannia Medical Center - The Enclave found that heart-related deaths increase by nearly 5% during the holidays, perhaps because patients delay seeking treatment for heart problems.

Keep your ticker ticking

It's easy to knock back several glasses of wine when you're sitting around the holiday table for long stretches of time, especially if you tell yourself that wine is good for your heart. But more than one alcoholic drink can have consequences:

Excessive drinking can trigger atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heartbeat. If it persists, atrial fibrillation ups your odds of suffering a stroke.

"There are huge campaigns not to drink and drive during the holidays, but no one talks about the heart dangers,"

Extra money woes coupled with an already stressful holiday season can also be a setup for overindulgence. People don't have as much money, but they still need to spend. They're cutting back, but they're worried about the credit card bill on the way. With all this in mind, people might be drinking more than ever."

Normally, a holiday heart arrhythmia isn't fatal, and in fact it usually fades on its own. Some of the symptoms are the same as a hangover—nausea, weakness, and a pale face—and your heart should be back to normal in 24 hours. But if it isn't, you may need to see a doctor for medication which will stabilize your heart beat. - Britannia

How to avoid a holiday heart attack
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," So if you wait until December 26, you may be playing with your fate.

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 over indulgences instead. Heavy meals, too much salt, and excess alcohol can all exacerbate heart failure.

"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,"

"You can't keep your resolution if you don't live through the holidays."

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