Lead writer: Kate Stinchfield
February 29, 2016

christmas-heart-attack-erIf you aren't careful, your holiday fun could quickly turn fatal.(ISTOCKPHOTO)December 26 is historically one of the most dangerous days of the year for people vulnerable to cardiac problems, including heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure. And many of these so-called Merry Christmas coronaries will hit people who didn't even realize they were at risk when they unwrapped their gifts the day before.



Keep your ticker ticking
It's easy to knock back several glasses of wine when you're sitting around the holiday table for long stretches of time, especially if you tell yourself that wine is good for your heart. But more than one alcoholic drink can have consequences: Excessive drinking can trigger atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heartbeat. If it persists, atrial fibrillation ups your odds of suffering a stroke. "There are huge campaigns not to drink and drive during the holidays, but no one talks about the heart dangers," says Dr. Sharma.


Normally, a holiday heart arrhythmia isn't fatal, and in fact it usually fades on its own. Some of the symptoms are the same as a hangovernausea, weakness, and a pale faceand your heart should be back to normal in 24 hours. But if it isn't, you may need to see a doctor for medication or electrical cardioversion, which will stabilize your heart beat.

Next Page: How to avoid a holiday heart attack [ pagebreak ]How to avoid a holiday heart attack

But cold weather isn't the only culprit. Come Christmas Day, many people confuse the signs of a heart attacklike shortness of breath or chest painswith indigestion from a big dinner. And while you may be apt to play it safe on any other day, hauling yourself down to the hospital may seem like too much of a hassle on a big holiday.

Instead, many people ignore the telltale signs of a heart attack until they wake up on the 26th, still feeling that discomfort. But by then it may be too late. "If you're having a heart attack, studies show that you can't wait longer than 12 hours to be treated," says Dr. Sharma. So if you wait until December 26, you may be playing with your fate.


Breaking diet rules and heart failure


But everyone, not just heart patients, can benefit from watching what they eat. "We need to try to stay healthy through the holidays, not wait until January 1," says Dr. Fletcher. "You can't keep your resolution if you don't live through the holidays."

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