Protect Your Heart this Winter
While the holidays are a time to spread joy, spend quality time with friends and family, and enjoy the festivities, they also pose a higher risk for certain life-threatening conditions. As stated by the American Heart Association, more people experience serious or fatal heart attacks around the holidays than during any other time of the year. In fact, cardiac concerns are one of the most common holiday health emergencies. This seasonal trend of cardiovascular diseases has created a staggering phenomenon of heart health risk over the holidays.
If you or a loved one experiences breathing difficulties, chest pain, or other symptoms that may indicate a cardiac issue, don’t hesitate to visit our team of medical professionals at Advance ER as soon as possible. Read on to learn more tips for staying heart healthy this holiday season, or contact us at (214) 494-8222 for additional assistance.
How Can I Decrease My Risk of Heart Attack During the Holidays?
There are certain steps you can take to give yourself the best chance of remaining heart healthy throughout the holidays. One of the biggest factors that leads to cardiac concerns is excessive eating and drinking, which is a common occurrence for many during the holiday season. This can lead to something known as “holiday heart syndrome,” or alcohol-induced atrial arrhythmias, which occurs through heavy ethanol consumption.
Because of this, one of the best ways to avoid cardiac concerns over the holidays is to celebrate in moderation, especially if you are not typically a frequent drinker. Additional ways you can decrease your risk of heart attack during the holidays include:
- Being mindful not to skip any medications
- Continuing to move and exercise
- Eating heart-healthy foods
- Tracking blood pressure and cholesterol
- Understanding conditions that may increase your risk (for example, understanding your risk of blood clots)
- Avoid situations that could bring undue stress
- Visit a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms
Spotting Symptoms of a Heart Attack
As we mentioned earlier, breathing difficulties and chest pain are two of the most common heart attack symptoms, and you should certainly visit the emergency room as soon as those symptoms occur. Additional symptoms that could mean you’re experiencing a heart attack include:
- Lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting
- Pain in the arm(s) or shoulder(s)
- Pain in the jaw, neck, back, or stomach
- Cold sweats / shaking or trembling
If you or a loved one experiences any of the above symptoms, get to a doctor for medical evaluation and symptom management immediately – whichever emergency room is closest to you. To reach Advance ER for medical assistance or to inquire about our cardiac care services, give us a call at (214) 494-8222 or check-in online.
