Prevent a Holiday Heart Attack
The holidays typically see an increase in deaths from heart disease, with spikes in heart attacks both on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. So information on how to prevent a holiday heart attack can be very important. If you are currently under a physcian’s care for heart disease characterized by atherosclerosis it is especially important that you know how to prevent a holiday heart attack.
Cold weather can often play a role in cardiac events, especially for people with existing heart disease. It can increase the body’s response to stressful conditions, which can put people at an increased risk, such as when they engage in strenuous activities like shoveling snow. How to prevent a holiday heart attack while shoveling snow is best done by taking it slow and easy.
The holidays themselves present other risks that can be just as deadly as strenuous exercise during the cold weather months. here are some helpful tips on how to prevent a holiday heart attack…
Watch Your Alcohol Consumption
Knowing how to prevent a holiday heart attack in regards to alcohol amounts to monitoring your personal consumption. People socialize and drink more during the holidays and excessive alcohol can be toxic to the heart, particularly in people with heart disease. Alcohol depresses heart function while also irritating the top heart chambers called the atria. This irritation could possibly lead to a dangerous heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. Use good sense. Enjoy yourself yet going easy on the alcohol is how to prevent a holiday heart attack.
Beware of Stuffing Yourself
People also tend to eat more often and in larger quantities. After a large meal, especially one rich in fat, blood is directed to the intestines to aid digestion. People who have blockages in their coronary arteries, due to atherosclerosis, that restrict blood flow are at risk and the result could be chest pain or even heart attack. How to prevent a holiday heart attack is to eat normal sized servings while avoiding as much of the fat-rich goodies as possible, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with atherosclerosis or another heart condition.
Cut the Stress
The holidays are one of the most stressful times of year. People are interacting more with relatives, some of whom they may not be on good terms, fighting crowds at the malls, traveling, attending parties and probably worrying about finances. There’s a direct correlation between stress and cardiac events. During stressful situations, people with heart disease are more likely to experience coronary spasms, chest pain, or a heart attack.
Take steps to lessen holiday stress. Learn to say no, don’t overbook your social calendar. Walk away from unpleasant social situations and keep up your regular exercise and relaxation activities. Practicing common sense is how to prevent a holiday heart attack.
Prepare for Flu Season
The flu season peaks between the months of December and March. Flu is potentially dangerous for everyone, but people with heart disease are especially vulnerable. There’s evidence that the inflammation that accompanies flu may destabilize arterial plaque and increase the risk for clots, the cause of most heart attacks.
An annual flu vaccination is the best protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for adults age 50 and older, any adult with a heart, lung, kidney or metabolic disease (such as diabetes) and for those with compromised immune systems. Preparing for and avoiding the flu is also how to prevent a holiday heart attack.
Don’t Delay Treatment
People who are caught up in the holiday excitement or who don’t want to spoil the holiday fun for others may delay seeking medical care, even if they’re having chest pain or other symptoms signaling a cardiac event. They are also more likely to forget to take medications, such as anticoagulants and blood pressure drugs.
Put your health first throughout the holiday season. Keep medications in a place where you’ll see them. If you have worrisome symptoms, don’t wait until the end of the holidays or even the end of the day to get medical attention. Don’t delay when having a cardiac event. Time is of the essence, immediately call 9-1-1.
Know the Common Heart Attack Symptoms
The most common heart attack symptom for men and women is some type of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest. But it may not be severe, especially in women, who are more likely than men to have symptoms that are unrelated to chest pain. Symptoms for men and women include the following:
* Chest pressure or pain
* Pain extending beyond the chest to the shoulder, arm, back, jaw
* Abdominal pain
* Shortness of breath
* Sweating
* Sense of doom
* Feeling Light-headed or dizzy
* Nausea or vomiting
* Unexplained fatigue
This article should give you some insight on how to prevent a holiday heart attack; however, if you should experience any of the above common heart attack symptoms make sure you dial 9-1-1 as quickly as possible and chew an aspirin or two while waiting for help to arrive.
Don’t spend so much money….that might help with the stress level!