THE ESSENTIAL
- In the event of a myocardial infarction, “the earlier medical treatment is given, the better the chances of survival and prevention of cardiac damage,” according to the AHA.
- The American Heart Association “calls attention to the need to increase people’s awareness of the practice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.”
December 25, 26 and January 1. These are the dates when the number of deaths from heart attacks is higher than at any other time of the year. This was recently revealed by the American Heart Association (AHA). “We see every year in the colder months regarding a 10% increase in fatal stroke rates. But around Christmas or New Years there’s a further 5% increase,” said Mitchell SV Elkind, chief of clinical sciences for the American Heart Association.
Heart attack: the factors associated with this high risk at the end of the year
Several factors increase the risk of succumbing to a myocardial infarction during the winter holidays. According to the American Heart Association, holiday stress and fatigue may be responsible for heart-related deaths. “Holidays are a busy, often stressful time for many of us. (…) We sleep too little and suffer too much stress”said Mitchell SV Elkind.
Another cause: the cold. Winter weather is believed to increase the risk of heart attack due to the restriction of blood flow in vessels constricted by the cold. “However, a study published in the journal Circulation found that, even in mild climates, around one-third more heart attack-related deaths occur in December and January than between June and September,” can we read in a statement from the Association.
Do not ignore the signs of a heart attack for fear of “ruining the holidays”
According to experts, a myocardial infarction can occur at the end of the year because of our bad eating habits during this period. “Routines are disrupted, we may tend to eat and drink more, exercise less and relax less,” Mitchell SV Elkind said.
The official also added that not listening to your body might also be the cause of a heart attack-related death. “We weren’t paying attention to the red flags, thinking that a visit to the doctor can wait until the end of the year. (…) Don’t ignore the warning signs of a heart attack, because you don’t don’t want to ruin the holidays, the consequences might be much worse”, he continued.
Heart attack: how to limit the risks during the holidays?
According to the American Heart Association, being aware of this annual occurrence and taking a few important steps for heart health can save lives. As the end of year celebrations approach, the association recommends:
- Know the symptoms of a myocardial infarction, which vary according to the sex of the person, and act by calling for help
- Partying in moderation, watching your salt intake and reducing your alcohol intake
- Self-care to reduce stress from family interactions, strained finances, or busy schedules
- Stay active through family walks, for example
- Stay vigilant with your treatments so as not to forget them or skip taking medications
