Heart attack: risk is particularly high on holidays – how to protect yourself

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Relax, enjoy family time, have a good time: the fact that there is a higher risk of heart attack than usual over the Christmas holidays sounds paradoxical at first.

But there are studies, for example from the USA and Sweden, which suggest this. A Swedish study from 2018, for example, shows an increased risk of heart attack on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. This is particularly true for people over 75 and people with chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease or diabetes.

Cold and stress put a strain on the heart

Even if, according to the German Heart Foundation, there is no corresponding research for Germany, it is worth listening carefully to your own heart and its signals during the holidays. Especially if you have previous illnesses.

But why is it that the holidays can affect our hearts? According to the American Heart Association, it’s the interaction of several factors:

One of them: this cold winter weather , in which the blood vessels narrow and the heart is put under greater strain. Also Stress which many people experience around the holidays, is a factor, as Thomas Voigtländer, CEO of the German Heart Foundation, says.

Postponed visits to the doctor become a risk

In addition, because doctors’ offices are closed over the holidays, many people seek help for heart problems too late. “Especially during longer holiday periods – when the Christmas holidays are right before or after a weekend – heart attack patients are admitted who have waited too long before calling the emergency number 112,” reports Voigtländer from his own experience.

Symptoms that indicate a heart attack

If you have symptoms that indicate a heart attack, you shouldn’t wait until the doctor’s office is open again on December 27th, advises the cardiologist. A suspected heart attack is a case for the emergency room.

For example, if you suddenly experience severe chest pain. Also

Feelings of tightness, pressure and burning

in the chest indicate a heart attack. This is often accompanied by

Nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and pain in the upper abdomen.

Routines are good – even on holidays

What else can high-risk patients do to protect their hearts over the holidays? “It is important that heart patients stick to their routines,” advises Voigtländer. This means, among other things, that you should take your medication as usual.

You should also maintain your usual eating and drinking habits. “You can definitely drink a glass of champagne every now and then, but you shouldn’t overdo it,” says the cardiologist. Background: Changes in diet, fluid intake or even sleeping behavior can also promote a threatening cardiac event such as a heart attack.

More health news:

A constant problem during the holiday season: feasting until the doctor, i.e. the food coma, comes. When stomach cramps become a constant companion between all the holiday meals, we need a plan.

Many people like to put their feet up at Christmas. That’s absolutely allowed – but the body is still happy about a little exercise. Read here how good it is for your body.