During the Christmas season, Catholics across the world gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The holidays are a time of joy and fellowship, but they can also pose serious health risks, particularly for the heart. It’s no secret that heart attacks are more common around Christmas, with studies from the American Heart Association (AHA) consistently showing that more people in the U.S. experience heart attacks on Christmas Day than any other day of the year.
While stress is often cited as a major factor in the holiday health spike, experts emphasize that there are multiple contributing factors. Dr. Patricia Vassallo, a cardiology professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explains that cold weather itself can strain the heart. “The cold weather does affect your biology,” she tells Yahoo Life. “The blood vessels constrict, and that raises the blood pressure and makes it harder for your heart to pump blood to your body.” Even in warmer climates like Los Angeles, where the temperature rarely dips below 40°F, heart attacks are more frequent during the winter months than in the summer.
In addition to the cold, physical exertion from activities such as shoveling snow can trigger cardiovascular problems. Dr. Matthew Tomey, chair of the AHA’s cardiovascular intervention science committee, cautions that people who aren’t accustomed to intense physical activity may face added risks during winter. He explains that snow shoveling, for example, can become a “triggering event” for someone unprepared for the strain, especially when coupled with the cold.
The indulgence of the holiday season is another risk factor for heart health. While a single festive meal may not cause a heart attack, overindulging in food and alcohol can strain already weakened cardiovascular systems. Dr. Tomey notes that the holidays are a time when many people indulge in “indiscretions,” such as sumptuous meals and cocktails. For individuals already at risk of heart disease, these indulgences can be dangerous, contributing to higher blood pressure and putting additional strain on the heart.
One particular risk is “holiday heart,” a phenomenon where excessive drinking leads to atrial fibrillation, a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia. Dr. Tomey remarks, “It’s classically the new onset of atrial fibrillation after having one too many cups of eggnog.” This highlights the delicate balance needed between enjoying the season’s celebrations and protecting one’s health.
Stress is another significant factor during the holidays. Dr. Vassallo points out that the festive season is not joyful for everyone. “We often think of the holidays as very fun and happy, but there are lots of people who have lost loved ones, or even are stressed preparing to host a big party.” Stress increases the levels of hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine, which in turn raise blood pressure and heart rate, making heart attacks and strokes more likely for those already at risk.
To help safeguard your heart this holiday season, experts suggest several strategies. First, it’s crucial to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack, which can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and sudden fatigue. These symptoms should never be ignored, especially during a busy holiday season when it’s easy to dismiss discomfort as simply holiday stress.
Dr. Tomey encourages a balanced approach to holiday festivities. “We want to be spending time with friends and family as opposed to in the hospital,” he says. “All things in moderation” is a key principle to remember—indulge in the festive meals but do so mindfully. This could mean limiting servings or skipping a second helping of dessert.
For those hosting holiday gatherings, Dr. Vassallo suggests providing healthy appetizers, such as cut vegetables, before the main meal. “People are more likely to eat precut vegetables when they’re already in front of them,” she explains. This simple step helps guests feel fuller before they dive into the richer, more indulgent dishes, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
In the spirit of Christmas, it’s essential to take time for rest, prayer, and reflection to reduce stress. Dr. Vassallo recommends stepping away to exercise or meditate to manage stress levels and support heart health.
