Data shows that more people die from heart-related events between Christmas and New Year's than any other time of year. This is what cardiologists refer to as "holiday heart syndrome." But what is holiday heart syndrome, exactly? What causes it, and what can you do to prevent it? A Cleveland Clinic cardiologist breaks it down below.
According to Dr. Nick Ruthmann, MD, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic, holiday heart syndrome is specifically when folks develop abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation.
He warns that although Afib can present with these symptoms, it can also come on silently. "For anyone using a wearable device that can monitor heart rhythms, sometimes an alert of an abnormally fast or irregular rhythm is the first finding in folks who don’t present with symptoms," Dr. Ruthmann adds.
One thing to keep in mind that can be a bit confusing: Holiday heart syndrome is technically specific to the onset of heart rhythm issues, including Afib, which is particularly connected to excess alcohol intake this time of year. That said, Dr. Ruthmann explains that the holiday season is the "perfect storm" for other heart issues to pop up, including having a heart attack.
Related: Feeling the Holidays Stress? Here Are 50 Therapist-Approved Tips to Help You Feel Better
Holiday Heart Syndrome Causes and Prevention
Related: This Is the One Thing Stroke Doctors Say You Should Absolutely Never Do
To prevent holiday heart syndrome, Dr. Ruthmann recommends being aware of this condition and its association with too much alcohol consumption. "To be mindful of the amount of alcohol consumed, I recommend drinking a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage to minimize the effects of alcohol on the body," he suggests. "Sometimes folks drink more to combat the stress happening all around them during the holiday season. For this, I recommend continuing to focus on self-care, getting exercise and doing your best to eat, drink and celebrate in moderation. Step away from the hustle and bustle of family gatherings and social events. Take deep breaths, take scheduled walks, or even just step outside to the back porch or patio for a few minutes to decompress."
Of course, alcohol isn't the only cause of heart-related events during the holidays. We're also thrown off our routines, which can lead to forgetting about medication, exercising less than usual, eating more sugar and red meat and experiencing excess stress.
Last but not least, Dr. Ruhtmann says, keep taking your meds—especially if you take medication for your heart. "No one wants a ‘Christmas Coronary’ or ‘Hanukkah Heart Attack,’" he says. "But if symptoms are addressed and treated quickly there's a great chance we'll be here to celebrate the New Year and 2024 together."
Related: This Holiday-Favorite Item in 70% of Homes May Be Linked to Cancer and Dementia, Doctors Warn
Sources
A Prospective Study of Holiday Weight Gain, N Engl J Med. Heart attack deaths spike during the winter holidays, American Heart Association. Dr. Nicholas Ruthmann, MD, cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Here's Why a Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist Is Warning Families About 'Holiday Heart Syndrome' )
Also on site :