Pay attention to your heart this holiday season! According to a study by the American Heart Association, this period sees the risk of cardiovascular diseases increase compared to the rest of the year. The association has also revealed a sinister record: the day of the year which has the most death from heart attacks East December 25Christmas Day. It is followed closely by December 26 and January 1.
These figures were observed in the United States, between 1979 and 2001. But a Swedish study came to the same conclusion in 2018. However, like these two nations, France is also a country ofnorthern hemisphere with a culture occidentale and a similar standard of living.
Christmas, between cold, stress and excess
Why on the day of Is Christmas more at risk? ? Scientists suggest several causes for these figures. Firstly, in Western countries, the Christmas period takes place in winter, when temperatures are the lowest. Gold, cold increases blood pressurewhich forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, putting it at greater risk.
But this is not the only explanatory factor! Between the organization of trips and meals, gifts or even sometimes heated discussions, the period of Christmas means stress for many of us. However, it is an important cardiovascular risk factor.
In addition, end-of-year menus also have their share of responsibilities. This period is, for many, punctuated by excessively caloric food, high in sugars and saturated fats. To this can be added a excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco. However, these elements are extremely bad for heart health.
How to limit the risk?
In order not to give reason to these statistics, be even more vigilant during the end of year celebrations. Take care to cover yourself well to do not expose yourself to the cold. If the holidays stress you out, don't put too much pressure on yourself: you can isolate yourself from time to time, avoid certain topics families and choose to celebrate the holidays with ease.
In addition, to avoid overeating, remember to drink plenty of water and limit daily doses of alcohol and tobacco. You can also choose to intersperse celebratory meals with days of detox menus, or even find lighter party recipes !
If you feel abnormal heart symptomsdo not wait until the end of the holidays to consult, especially since health professionals are more requested at this time of year.
