12/26/2025
Causes:
1-Delay in care during holidays ( biggest factor). Also:
⢠Hospitals run with reduced staffing, fewer specialists, and less continuity
⢠Primary care offices are closed ā conditions escalate before treatment
This disproportionately affects heart attacks, strokes, sepsis, asthma, and complications of chronic disease.
2. Cardiovascular stress peaks
⢠Cold exposure ā vasoconstriction, higher BP
⢠Heavy meals, excess salt, alcohol ā fluid shifts & arrhythmias
⢠Emotional stress (grief, loneliness, family conflict)
Result: More fatal MIs, sudden cardiac death, and strokes
3. Respiratory infections surge
⢠Influenza, RSV, COVID, pneumonia peak
⢠Indoor crowding + travel
⢠Frail populations decompensate quickly
4. Alcohol-related and metabolic effects
⢠Acute alcohol toxicity
⢠Withdrawal in dependent individuals
⢠Hypoglycemia / hyperglycemia in diabetics
5. Disruption of medications & routines
⢠Missed meds (BP, insulin, anticoagulants)
⢠Travel-related dehydration or immobility
⢠Sleep deprivation
Small lapses compound in vulnerable people.
6. Psychosocial vulnerability
⢠Loneliness and depression peak
⢠Su***de risk increases (especially in older men)
⢠Elder neglect or isolation is more common this week