Wellness Wednesday: Heart attack deaths spike the same week every year, how can you keep your heart healthy?

Posted: Dec 15, 2021 / 08:30 AM EST

Updated: Dec 15, 2021 / 08:30 AM EST

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The holiday season is well underway and as we quickly approach Christmas, the American Heart Association wants you to keep heart health top of mind.

“We see more heart attack deaths between Christmas and New Year’s than any other time of year.”
Kristy Smorol

Kristy Smorol is the communications director for the local chapter of the American Heart Association. She says there are a few reasons behind the uptick.

Our stress level is higher, our routines are often disrupted, we’re eating and drinking more, and likely exercising less.

However, Smorol says there are some simple ways to keep your heart health strong around the holidays.

“We’re a little off our routines this time of year, so whatever you need to do whether that’s parking farther away when you go shopping, maybe stay in the store a little longer and do some laps around the store. Maybe you take everybody on a winter hike or ice skating, whatever it is, that way you’re still with your family but you’re working in that physical activity too.”

Here are some other things to be mindful of:

DO celebrate in moderation
DO swap a few cocktails for mocktails
DO continue taking all your medication (set alarms if you need to)
DO make time for yourself
DO know the signs of a heart attack
DO NOT put off the doctor until after the holidays

“If you feel something wrong with your body, you need to take action,” Smorol said.

As for the signs of a heart attack, the big one is pain or pressure in your chest.

Heart attack can also present with neck, back, arm, or shoulder pain.

“Nausea, lightheadedness, cold sweats, those are all signs of a heart attack, and women are more likely to present with those other signs, the things that are easy to brush off.”
Kristy Smorol

If you have any of those symptoms, call 911 right away.