One day of the year is particularly risky for the heart. But it is possible to limit the risk.
The Christmas holidays are generally a joyous time, but it is also the time of year when there are the most heart attacks. There are 15% more deaths from heart attacks than the rest of the year, according to a study published in 2018 in the British Medical Journal. She concluded that there was a peak in heart attacks on one day in particular: December 24.
“Heart attacks increased by 37% on December 24 (Christmas Eve), peaking at 10 p.m. and more often affecting people aged over 75 and those with diabetes or previous cardiovascular disease,” according to the American Heart Association, reporting the results of the study. And it's not just December 24 that's affected: “research shows that more people die of heart attacks in the last week of December than at any other time of the year.” , specifies the American Heart Association. The New Year is also a particularly risky time.
This phenomenon would be due to several reasons. First of all, stress. The end-of-year holidays are a source of stress for many people, which can be bad for the heart. Then, end-of-year meals that are generally copious and alcoholic do not go well with heart health. Winter temperatures could also play a role, impacting blood circulation and increasing the use of fireplaces which produce polluting fumes that are bad for the heart.
So to limit the risk of heart attack, experts give several tips:
- try to eat as healthily as possible, limiting fat, salt and alcohol,
- limiter son stress,
- maintain physical activity. Don’t hesitate to suggest a family outing!
People at risk of heart disease must be particularly vigilant and take any treatment correctly.
Finally, it is essential to know the signs of a heart attack to react as quickly as possible. Several symptoms should alert you: chest pain which can radiate towards the arm, neck, jaw or back; shortness of breath; dizziness and vertigo; sweats; nausea… It's better to know them and be vigilant around people at risk, while enjoying the holidays!
