12/17/2025
Did you know that studies consistently show a significant spike in heart attacks and cardiac deaths around Christmas and New Year's, a phenomenon sometimes called the "Christmas Coronary Effect"? In the U.S., Christmas Day (December 25th) has more cardiac deaths than any other day of the year, followed by December 26th and January 1st.
Several factors combine to create a "perfect storm" for cardiac events during the holiday season:
Delayed Medical Care: One of the most critical factors is that people often ignore warning signs or delay seeking medical attention to avoid disrupting festivities or travel plans, leading to worse outcomes.
Overindulgence: Rich foods high in salt, sugar, and fat, combined with increased alcohol consumption, can strain the cardiovascular system. Binge drinking can trigger an irregular heart rhythm condition known as "Holiday Heart Syndrome".
Stress and Lifestyle Changes: Emotional and financial stress, disrupted sleep patterns, less physical activity, and changes in routine (including forgetting medications while traveling) all contribute to increased risk.
Cold Weather (in Northern Hemisphere): Chilly temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and making the heart work harder. Strenuous activities like shoveling snow can also be a trigger.
Seasonal Illnesses: Respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV can put extra demands on the heart.
The American Heart Association and medical experts recommend several steps to mitigate risk:
Know the Symptoms: Be aware of heart attack and stroke warning signs (chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.) and call 9-1-1 immediately if they occur.
Moderation is Key: Enjoy holiday food and drinks in moderation and try to maintain a healthy diet.
Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your routine, even if it's just a family walk.
Manage Stress: Plan for some quiet time and find healthy ways to manage holiday stress.
Stick to Your Regimen: Do not skip prescribed medications or forget devices like sleep apnea machines when traveling.
Learn CPR: Knowing Hands-Only CPR can be life-saving, as most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. You can learn more from the American Heart Association.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.