As the holiday season arrives, bringing with it traditions of festive gatherings and indulgent meals, medical experts are cautioning about a lesser-known danger: a rise in cardiovascular events. While often overlooked amidst the cheer, the holidays can present a unique combination of stressors and lifestyle changes that increase the risk of heart attack and other related emergencies. This report details the factors contributing to this trend and guidance from leading cardiologists on how to protect your heart health throughout the season.
The holiday season, while a time for joy and family, can unfortunately increase the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks, experts warn. Factors such as overindulgence in food and alcohol, exposure to cold weather, and increased stress can all contribute to a heightened risk.
Robert Ostfeld, MD, director of preventive cardiology at Montefiore Einstein, advises against drinking alcohol if you don’t typically consume it, or overdoing it if you do. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation and dyslipidemia, worsening coronary artery disease. Repeated episodes of heavy drinking can cause arterial stiffness, increased blood pressure, and ultimately, a greater risk of heart attack.
“We used to think that one or two drinks a day could be good for the heart. That thinking may be wrong. The latest data seems to support the idea that any amount of alcohol intake over time increases your risk of heart problems,” Dr. Ostfeld said.
Beyond alcohol, the typical holiday spread often includes processed meats, salty fast foods, and a scarcity of fruits and vegetables. This type of diet, according to Dr. Ostfeld, can exacerbate heart issues and increase the likelihood of a cardiac event. He recommends mindful eating, especially for those already at risk for heart disease, as heart emergencies can occur within an hour of a heavy, high-fat meal.
Baca juga: Manfaat vitamin D3 untuk penderita yang pernah serangan jantung
The holidays can also be a stressful time, with increased social obligations, sleep deprivation, and the potential for forgetting to take prescribed medications. Maintaining consistent healthy habits is crucial for minimizing heart attack risk, Dr. Ostfeld noted. This is particularly important as heart health is a cornerstone of overall well-being.
Cold weather is another contributing factor, as it can cause arteries to constrict, reducing blood flow. Outdoor exercise in cold temperatures can further strain the heart, increasing risk.
While “holiday heart syndrome” generally resolves without medical intervention, its symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from more serious cardiovascular problems. Experiencing persistent heart palpitations or other symptoms like chest pain requires immediate emergency medical attention.
Baca juga: Kenali perbedaan masuk angin, angin duduk, dan serangan jantung
Seeking prompt treatment for a heart attack significantly improves survival rates and can reduce the amount of heart damage, according to Fatima Rodriguez, MD, a volunteer with the American Heart Association and associate professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford Health Care in California.
Symptoms of a heart attack include discomfort in the chest or upper body – such as the arms, stomach, shoulders, neck, or jaw – shortness of breath, cold sweats, dizziness, or nausea. Heart attack signs in women can be more subtle and may not always involve intense pain.
Baca juga: Urgensi pelatihan BHD untuk pertolongan pertama pada serangan jantung
Baca juga: Memelihara kesehatan jantung, detak yang menjaga hidup
Baca juga: Sejumlah faktor yang bisa tingkatkan risiko serangan jantung
Penerjemah: Fitra Ashari
Editor: Siti Zulaikha
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
Dilarang keras mengambil konten, melakukan crawling atau pengindeksan otomatis untuk AI di situs web ini tanpa izin tertulis dari Kantor Berita ANTARA.
