Holiday Heartbreak: How to Protect Your Heart During teh Festive Season
The holidays, while a time for joy and connection, can significantly increase the risk of heart problems. Ochsner Health experts are urging individuals to be mindful of their cardiovascular health during this often-stressful period, offering guidance on recognizing triggers and adopting preventative measures.
The Holiday Stress factor
“The holidays can be hectic for all of us,” explains randy Del Mundo, MD, FACP, a primary care specialist at Ochsner Health Center – Prairieville.”It’s a change in routine. our stress level can be elevated with travel plans, work and family events, and it can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause heart problems.” He notes that the busy season frequently enough leads individuals to overlook early warning signs of heart issues, such as fatigue, attributing them simply to the demands of the holidays.
The statistics are sobering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the United States dies from heart-related disease every 60 seconds. Louisiana faces a notably high risk, ranking fifth nationally in heart attack death rates, with heart disease being the leading cause of death in the state. National research further indicates a surge in heart attacks during December and January, a phenomenon frequently enough referred to as “holiday heart.”
“Holiday Heart” and Its Triggers
Michael L. Bernard, MD, section head of Electrophysiology at Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans, reports a consistent rise in heart rhythm disturbances around the holidays. atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common arrhythmia in adults, is frequently triggered by a combination of factors including sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol consumption, and dehydration.
“Holiday foods are often high in fat, sugar and salt, which tend to raise blood pressure and put more pressure on the heart,” Dr. Bernard explains. “We see alcohol have an affect, as well. Alcohol calms the body initially but eventually raises blood pressure and causes fluid retention and dehydration. Some alcohol levels can lead to a transient stunning of the heart – when the heart temporarily weakens due to a sudden physical or emotional stress – which can lead to other cardiac problems.”
Protecting Your Heart: Practical Steps
Despite these risks, Dr. Bernard emphasizes that proactive steps can significantly mitigate the dangers. Moderation is key, particularly regarding alcohol intake, with a recommendation to limit consumption to no more than two drinks per day or abstain altogether. Prioritizing physical activity and adequate rest is also crucial. Individuals struggling with mental health are encouraged to have their healthcare provider’s contact information readily available.
Recognizing Symptoms, Especially in Women
Dominique Williams, MD, director of Women’s Cardiovascular Clinic at Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans, highlights the importance of early symptom recognition, particularly among women. While women may experience classic heart attack symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the jaw or left arm, they are also more likely to present with less typical symptoms.
“Women with heart disease often have fatigue, nausea or a burning sensation in the chest that can be mistaken for acid reflux,” Dr. Williams says. “These symptoms are often non-specific or mimic other diseases.” She urges anyone experiencing potential heart attack symptoms to seek immediate medical attention, and to consider whether symptoms are triggered by physical activity. “If someone notices that they don’t feel well, have a burning sensation, become nauseous or sweat profusely when they do an activity, that can be a sign of a serious heart problem.” If over-the-counter acid reflux medication provides no relief, she advises considering option causes.
Maintaining Healthy Habits through the season
Jeffrey D. fontenot, MD, a primary care specialist at ochsner Health Center – Broussard, cautions against abandoning healthy habits during the holidays. He notes that prolonged periods of overindulgence, reduced exercise, and a hectic schedule can have both immediate and long-term consequences for heart health.
“Sometimes we get so hung up on trying to make sure our holidays look like a Hallmark movie,” he says,”That expectation can put a lot of stress on people. Cortisol is one of our stress hormones, and we certainly know that increased cortisol levels raise blood pressure.” Dr. Fontenot recommends adhering to a regular sleep schedule, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol, practicing mindful eating with smaller portion sizes, and incorporating restful hobbies into the holiday routine. Even light exercise, such as yoga or Pilates, can be beneficial.
Ochsner Health: Leading the Way in Cardiac Care
As Louisiana’s leading healthcare provider, Ochsner Health is fully equipped to deliver expert cardiac care. Dr. Del Mundo stresses the importance of seeking medical attention even for mild symptoms, allowing for timely assessment of heart disease risk factors and the development of long-term lifestyle changes. “We are the quarterbacks of heart health,” he states. “Talk to us about symptoms you have been experiencing. We can guide you, as well as make individual assessments concerning heart disease.”
Dr. Williams adds that Ochsner’s approach is informed by the latest research,including a deeper understanding of cardiovascular differences between men and women and the role of hormones in heart health.”Everyone at ochsner has an increased awareness about heart disease and a passion for taking care of all patients,” she says. “Our doctors are very well-aware of everything that comes with the holiday season, as well as what the most recent research tells us. We are here to help.”
Ochsner Health delivers expert care across Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Gulf South, with 47 hospitals and over 370 health and urgent care centers. In 2024, the organization’s 40,000+ team members and 4,900 physicians provided care to 1.6 million patients from across the nation and 63 countries. To learn more about Ochsner’s commitment to health and wellness, visit www.ochsner.org.
