Despite all the planning and joy that the holidays can bring by reuniting families and traditions, it is shocking that Christmas holidays have been associated with more heart attacks (MI) than any other day of the year! Why?
A study from Sweden examined possible triggers of MI during Christmas and the findings were interesting.
A nationwide, retrospective postal survey with case-control design. All individuals suffering an MI during the Christmas holidays 2018 and 2019 in Sweden were identified through the SWEDEHEART registry and a control group matched in age and gender with chronic coronary syndrome who did not seek medical attention during Christmas were asked for participation. Subjects completed a questionnaire asking them to rate 27 potential MI-triggers as having occurred more or less than usual.
A total of 189 patients suffering an MI on Christmas Eve or Day and 157 patients in the control group responded to the questionnaire, representing response rates of 66% and 62%, respectively.
Patients with MI on Christmas experienced more stress (37% vs. 21%), depression (21% vs. 11%), and worry (26% vs. 10%) compared to the control group.
The food and sweets consumption was increased in both groups, but to a greater extent in the control group (33% vs. 50%). There were no increases in quarrels, anger, economic worries, or reduced compliance with medication.
Patients suffering MI on Christmas holiday experienced higher levels of stress and emotional distress compared to patients with chronic coronary syndrome, possibly contributing to the phenomenon of holiday heart attack. Understanding what factors increase the number of MI on Christmas may help reduce the excess number of MIs and cardiovascular burden.
It is no secret the holiday season comes with a spike in alcohol consumption. However, it can have dangerous effects, shielding you from how cold you really are.
Manage stress by being mindful and thoughtful about the holiday plans and who you will be with, getting a good nights sleep, avoiding conflicts, using breathwork like the 4-7-8 breathing pattern, and not skippin exercise.
The shift in temperature also comes with a shift in outdoor maintenance, particularly in areas where snow needs to be shoveled often.
If you have any new symptoms of a heart condition, call 911 and get checked, even if it is Christmas.
