Heart attacks and strokes spike during the holidays. Here’s why : NPR

Too much revelry with rich foods and alcohol can put strain on the heart. The same goes for vacation stress.

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The risk of heart attack or stroke increases during the holiday season, with an increase in cardiac deaths between Christmas and New Year’s. “We certainly see it in emergency rooms around the holidays,” says Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, a cardiologist who directs the Framingham Heart Study at Boston University School of Medicine.

So what causes Christmas coronary heart disease and how can you reduce your risk?

Lloyd-Jones says the risk factors that put people at risk are present year-round, but the holidays can serve as a tipping point when multiple factors converge.

“The weather certainly contributes to this, as do the infections that get us in winter, the changes in our lifestyle, the disruptions to our routines and also the stress of the festive period,” says Lloyd-Jones.

Too much revelry with rich foods and alcohol can put strain on the heart. And many studies show that excess sodium increases blood pressure, making the heart work harder.

And while stress is omnipresent, an acute stressor that activates the fight-or-flight response, brought on by an argument or difficult situation, could exacerbate the situation, creating a perfect storm.

“When we are under acute stress, factors such as our blood pressure can increase, putting additional strain on the cardiovascular system,” says Lloyd-Jones.

Some people mistake heart attack symptoms for indigestion or overeating. Here are the classic warning signs:

“Sudden onset, usually a strong pressure in the middle of the chest or sudden, unexpected shortness of breath,” says Lloyd-Jones. “These are really two cardinal symptoms that people should never ignore.”

Sometimes the signs are more subtle. “It’s important to remember that not everyone experiences classic symptoms, especially in women,” says Dr. Tina Shah, a Seattle-based cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente. It highlights a feeling of dizziness or pain in the jaw, neck or back, which may radiate from the chest.

Research shows that the risk of stroke also increases at this time of year and that strokes present differently than heart attacks. To spot the signs, there is a mnemonic device called FAST.

“If you notice facial drooping, which is the F, or if you have weakness in an arm or leg on one side or sudden difficulty speaking, then it’s time to call 911” quickly, says Lloyd-Jones.

Amid travel and holiday gatherings, healthy habits can fall by the wayside. With disrupted routines, people may forget to take medications, such as heart and blood pressure medications, says Dr. Luke Laffin, a preventative cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

“It’s important to make sure you have enough medications for your entire trip,” says Laffin, and if you’re flying, pack them in your carry-on bag so you don’t end up without them if your checked luggage goes missing.

As a doctor, Laffin witnessed the increase in emergency room admissions during the holidays. He emphasizes the importance of not delaying or avoiding care. Some people talk themselves out of going to the emergency room, thinking the symptoms will go away, which could be a mistake.

“No one will ever blame you for going to the emergency room if your symptoms are concerning enough,” Laffin says.

Often when people suspect a heart attack, that’s exactly what it is. And it is essential to seek prompt treatment.

“If someone shows up to the hospital with a heart attack in progress, the quicker we restore blood flow with a stent, that can mean the difference between someone living essentially a normal life and someone living with heart failure,” Laffin says.

Conclusion: prevention is better than cure.