Chicago, IL (December 18, 2024) — The winter holidays can turn deadly as research shows that more people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year. While being aware of the signs of a heart attack and taking steps to reduce your risk are important all year long, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all, says that’s especially critical during the next few weeks.
A number of scientific studies confirm this deadly phenomenon. A study published in Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association, reported that more cardiac deaths occur in the U.S. on December 25 than on any other day of the year, followed by December 26 and January 1.
Holiday heart attack survivor shares her story
A local survivor, Christine Betz, faced this head on after she suffered a heart attack during the holiday season. Betz began experiencing chest pains while walking her dog on Dec. 26, 2020, but initially dismissed the symptoms as aftereffects of enjoying rich holiday food with family. Days later, after her symptoms continued and a COVID-19 test came back negative, Betz sought medical care, which showed that her blood pressure was elevated. After more tests, Betz went to a hospital in Barrington (Ill.), the closest hospital to her town of Cary, where an EKG indicated that she had suffered a heart attack the previous day. During surgery, doctors found a 99% “widow maker” blockage, and Betz had a stent implanted in her heart.
After her surgery, Betz was instructed to rest for two weeks. She now adheres to a Mediterranean diet, consisting mainly of lean meats, vegetables and whole foods. Betz sees a cardiologist annually in addition to her general physicals and hopes to never have to be placed on medication. Betz, who enjoys skiing, tennis and golf, says her active lifestyle wasn’t impacted by her cardiac event, but the heart attack did open the door to her learning more about her family health history. Betz’s father survived a heart attack in his 50s years before Betz’s, and her mother also passed away because of a possible heart event.
“She went to sleep and didn’t wake up,” Betz said.
Betz encouraged her siblings to get tested for possible heart disease and now says others should know their family heart health history at all times of year.
“People should do heart checks. It can happen to anybody … I’m living proof,” Betz said.
Betz is grateful for her survival story and for the ability to learn more about healthy living, which allows her to continue enjoying holidays with her loved ones.
“Life is too short. … Whether you like to travel or you like to see friends or do things, do it because you never know when it could happen to you that you can pass away,” she said.
Saving a life during a cardiac event
Giving the gift of life may also come into play if you see someone experiencing heart attack or stroke symptoms. You could be out shopping at the mall, enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season or spending time at a family gathering and witness someone having a heart attack and going into cardiac arrest. Starting CPR immediately and calling 911 could be the difference in life or death in those situations.
The American Heart Association has a short instructional video at http://www.heart.org/handsonlyCPR. Watching the video and learning Hands-Only CPR could be a lifesaving and life-changing activity for the family to do together as you’re gathered for the holidays. Family gatherings are also a good time to talk about family health history.
Heart health tips
The following are several heart-healthy tips for the upcoming holidays:
- Know symptoms and take action: Heart attack signs and stroke symptoms vary in men and women and it’s important to recognize them early and call 9-1-1 for help. The sooner medical treatment begins, the better the chances of survival and preventing heart damage.
- Celebrate in moderation Eating healthfully during the holidays doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself, there are still ways to eat smart. Look for small, healthy changes and swaps you can make so you continue to feel your best while eating and drinking in moderation, and don’t forget to watch your salt intake.
- Plan for peace on earth and goodwill toward yourself: Make time to take care of yourself during the busy holiday. Reduce stress from family interactions, strained finances, hectic schedules and other stressors prevalent this time of year, including traveling.
- Keep moving: The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week and this number usually drops during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Get creative with ways to stay active, even if it’s going for a family walk or another fun activity you can do with your loved ones.
- Stick to your meds: Busy holidays can cause you to skip medications, forgetting them when away from home or not getting refills in a timely manner. The American Heart Association has a medication chart to help stay on top of it and be sure to keep tabs on your blood pressure numbers.
The American Heart Association has more on ways to live heart-healthy during the holidays and all year long at heart.org.
Additional Resources:
- AHA health resources: Heart attack warning-signs infographic
- AHA health resources: Stress Management infographic
- AHA health resources: Season's Healing: 5 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress | American Heart Association
- AHA health resources: Holiday Stress? Try Our Top 5 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season
- AHA health resources: 5 Tips to Host a Heart-Healthy Holiday Party | American Heart Association
- AHA news release: Make a list, check it twice with these heart-healthy holiday travel hacks.
- AHA health resources: Join the Nation of Lifesavers
- In a British Medical Journal study reviewing more than 16 years of data on heart attacks among people in Sweden, there was a 15% overall increase in heart attacks during the winter holidays. Of particular note, heart attacks increased 37% on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), peaking at 10 p.m. and more often in people over 75 and those with diabetes or previous cardiovascular disease.
- A study presented at the British Cardiovascular Society meeting in June supported previous research finding more serious heart attacks occur on Mondays than any other day of the week. This year, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) falls on a Monday.
Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association’s overall financial information are available here.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 501-690-2382
Jorie Goins; Jorie.Goins@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org