Holiday heart attacks rise as doctors warn of hidden triggers and prevention tips

Holiday heart syndrome is prompting warnings as heart-attack risk rises around Christmas and New Year’s, doctors say. The stress of travel, family gatherings and festive meals can strain the heart, especially for those with underlying risk factors. Medical professionals note that the pattern tends to recur each year during the holiday season, and prevention is possible with moderation and attention to daily health habits.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeremy London, a South Carolina-based physician, said in a recent post that heart attacks rise around the holidays, with Christmas Eve identified as the highest-risk day. 'Every year, like clockwork, we see a spike in heart attacks around Christmas and New Year’s,' he said. He attributed the rise to shifts in behavior: increased drinking and eating, reduced physical activity and higher levels of emotional and financial stress. Cold weather can also contribute by causing vasoconstriction, which can raise the risk of plaque rupture and heart attack.

Dr. Glenn Hirsch, chief of the division of cardiology at National Jewish Health in Denver, described holiday heart syndrome as the onset of an abnormal heart rhythm, typically atrial fibrillation, following a bout of heavy celebrations. 'It’s often a combination of overdoing the alcohol intake along with high salt intake and large meals that can trigger it,' he said. 'Adding travel, stress and less sleep lowers the threshold to go into that rhythm.' The most serious consequence of atrial fibrillation is the risk of stroke and other blood-clot–related complications. The risk of atrial fibrillation rises with age and with underlying factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease.

Prevention is possible, as Hirsch notes: moderation is key when celebrating. Avoid binge drinking, overeating salty foods and dehydration, while managing stress and prioritizing adequate sleep. 'Don’t forget to exercise,' he advised, aiming for 5,000 to 10,000 steps a day to help burn calories and reduce risk. London echoed the message, calling movement 'medicine' and encouraging daily activity throughout the holidays. Maintaining prescribed medications on schedule, even during breaks, is important.

Experts warn that many people delay seeking medical help for health concerns until after the holidays, which can worsen conditions. If you don’t feel right, don’t ignore symptoms and seek care promptly. The holiday season remains a time to balance celebration with vigilance for warning signs of heart trouble.