Holiday heart attacks rise as doctors outline triggers and prevention tips

Holiday heart problems are rising around Christmas and New Year’s, health officials say, driven by stress, heavy meals, alcohol, reduced activity and cold weather that can strain the heart.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeremy London, based in South Carolina, said in a recent post that 'Every year, like clockwork, we see a spike in heart attacks around Christmas and New Year’s.' He noted that 'Christmas Eve is the highest-risk day of the year.' The uptick, he said, stems from a shift in behavior: drinking and eating too much, moving less and being stressed. 'Emotional stress, financial stress, the increased pace of the holidays, increased obligations' all contribute. Cold weather can further raise risk by causing vasoconstriction, narrowing blood vessels and increasing the chance of plaque rupture leading to a heart attack.

Cardiologist Dr. Glenn Hirsch, chief of the division of cardiology at National Jewish Health in Denver, described holiday heart syndrome as often the onset of an abnormal heart rhythm, or atrial fibrillation, which can follow binge-drinking. He cautioned that 'it’s often a combination of overdoing the alcohol intake along with high salt intake and large meals that can trigger it.' He said travel, stress and less sleep also lower the threshold to enter the rhythm. The biggest risk related to atrial fibrillation, he added, is stroke and other complications from blood clots. The risk of AFib increases with age and with factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease.

Prevention is possible. Hirsch urged moderation and avoiding binge-drinking, overeating—especially salty foods—and dehydration, while managing stress levels and prioritizing adequate sleep. He also recommended at least 5,000 to 10,000 steps daily during the holidays. London agreed, saying 'movement is medicine' and encouraging people to be active every day. He also emphasized staying on prescribed medications, setting reminder alerts, and prioritizing sleep and mindfulness during the holiday break. 'Don't ignore your symptoms,' he cautioned. 'If you don’t feel right, respond.'

Overall, doctors say holiday heart syndrome is preventable with simple steps: moderate drinking, mindful eating, staying hydrated, regular physical activity, and keeping on track with medications. By maintaining routine and listening to one’s body, patients can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation, heart attack and related complications during a season already marked by stress and cold weather.