Health Team

Study: Holidays bring increased risk for heart attack, stroke

The winter holidays are an exciting time of year, but for some, a dangerous time. Several studies have shown an increase in heart attack and stroke cases in December and January. Specifically, research shows a spike on Christmas and New Year's Day.

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The winter holidays are an exciting time of year, but for some, a dangerous time.

Several studies have shown an increase in heart attack and stroke cases in December and January. Specifically, research shows a spike on Christmas and New Year's Day.

Experts say there are at least three reasons why heart attack and stroke increase this time of year:

Holiday stress
A change in normal eating patterns

Winter exertion

WakeMed cardiologist Dr. Frances Wood says two common triggers for heart attack or stroke are clearing away snow or ice and hunting.

"Because basically you're going from baseline heart rate of 60 to 80, and you're jumping up to 140 or 160, and you don't even realize it because you're cool from the cold weather," Wood said.

Wood says a good rule of thumb is, if you can't walk a mile without getting short of breath, don't go out and shovel snow or exert yourself to an extreme degree.

To improve your health during the holidays, doctors recommend attempting to reduce stress levels, eating and drinking in moderation, getting plenty of exercise and rest, and to know the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense -- the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often the people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are some of the signs that can mean a heart attack is happening.

  • Chest discomfort
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
  • Shortness of breath
Stroke Warning Signs:
  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

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