A wide variety of studies have linked Christmas to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues and heart attacks. While the holiday season is typically associated with positive emotions and an opportunity to connect with loved ones, it also conceals health risks that should not be overlooked.
What do research studies show about the Christmas period and cardiovascular diseases?
During the winter season, the chances of heart-related incidents increase, peaking on Christmas and New Year’s days. This increase is demonstrated by research from Sweden, which showed that the chances of a heart attack almost rise by 40% on Christmas Eve.
The American Heart Association emphasizes that awareness of this annual phenomenon and taking significant measures for heart health can save lives.
How are cardiovascular diseases related to the Christmas holidays?
It’s a fact that during Christmas, we deviate from the routines our bodies are accustomed to, consuming more food and drink, engaging in less physical activity, relaxing more, and sleeping less. There is a risk of not listening to our bodies or paying attention to warning signs, assuming that we will address health issues after the holidays.
Contributing factors could include emotional stress or sometimes the financial burden from buying family gifts. Additionally, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and food creates a hazardous environment for the cardiovascular system.
Most of the time, it is possible to take measures to avoid negative health events. Let’s look in detail at the factors affecting heart health during the holiday season and how we can help our health.
Cold Winter Temperatures
Low temperatures during the Christmas season tend to increase the risk of cardiovascular events. This happens due to restricted blood flow through narrowed vessels. Heart attacks are associated with the blockage of blood flow to a specific tissue, hindering the supply of oxygen and nutrients for proper function. This obstructive phenomenon is often influenced by various factors. One of these is the degree of dilation of blood vessels, meaning their diameter. Therefore, there is less blood flow in a narrowed vessel compared to a dilated one. If there is a blockage, such as an atherosclerotic plaque, the risk of a heart attack increases significantly.
Dietary Changes during Christmas
The consumption of food, carbohydrates, sweets, and alcohol increases during the holiday season.
The redistribution of blood flow throughout the body towards the digestive tract to enhance nutrient absorption can reduce blood supply to the heart through the coronary arteries, especially in high-risk individuals. If there is a significant atherosclerotic plaque, the increased turbulence resulting from vasoconstriction can cause its rupture, releasing small clots capable of interrupting circulation.
Holiday Stress
Although the goal of holidays is joy and relaxation, for many, remain a source of anxiety. Professional worries, event organization, and gathering loved ones can cause stress and difficulty in coping, resulting in emotional stress. This term refers to the set of changes that occur in the body in response to an internal or external event, with hormones and the nervous system being the main actors in this reaction.
The activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and the nervous system leads to the release of various substances that act on the cardiovascular system. Adrenaline is one such substance. It acts on the arteries to promote vasoconstriction, which is closely linked to the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Additionally, it promotes the release of fatty acids, clotting, and an increase in heart rate (tachycardia).
Looking a bit deeper into tachycardia, it can be a factor that accelerates the onset of heart attacks. As the heart works more intensely, the demands for energy and oxygen are greater, with negative consequences for heart health.
Delay in Seeking Medical Attention
The delay of patients in going to the hospital during an acute coronary syndrome significantly affects mortality.
It is important for the patient to recognize the symptoms of acute coronary syndrome and seek transfer to the hospital. Delay can be significant and fatal. When symptoms start in the early morning, during a meal, or in the context of any celebration, they should not be neglected, and your company should be informed.
Who Should Pay Special Attention during Christmas for Cardiovascular Events?
Individuals suffering from diabetes should take greater precautions, following strict diets and monitoring their blood glucose levels. Personal or family history of cardiovascular diseases, such as systematic arterial hypertension, is also considered a risk factor. Obesity can lead to myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Our Tips to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk During Christmas
To reduce cardiovascular risk during Christmas, try to maintain healthy habits.
Stay informed about symptoms and take action by promptly calling an ambulance.
Always wear appropriate clothing (coat, socks, gloves, and hats).
Avoid sudden temperature changes when entering and exiting facilities.
If you have doubts about your health, consult your doctor.