The Overlooked Reasons Heart Attacks Spike During the Holidays, Explained by a Cardiologist
It's the most wonderful time of the year, but not necessarily for your heart. In the U.S., cardiac deaths occur on Christmas Day more than on any other day of the year, followed by December 26 and New Year's Day, according to the American Heart Association. Cold weather, elevated stress, heavier drinking, and weeks of overeating combine to create what many clinicians now refer to as "holiday heart attacks."
"December is the time of year when routines tend to fall apart and overindulgence becomes normal. This puts the cardiovascular system under more strain than any other month," says Joel Kocher, co-founder and CEO of Humann. "People often think heart health lives in one organ, but it’s really a 60,000-mile system delivering oxygen and nutrients to every cell. When that system gets overloaded, the risks spike, which is why this time of year requires a little extra awareness and support."
Speaking with Men's Journal, Kocher and Humann's chief cardiologist, Christopher Davis, MD, broke down why cardiovascular events surge during a season that’s supposed to be defined by celebration and joy.
Why Cardiovascular Issues Occur During the Holidays
Several factors combine to drive the increase in cardiovascular issues during the holidays. Cold weather is one of the biggest stressors. When temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict, which raises blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder, Davis explains.
"Emotional stress, travel, and disrupted routines result in elevated sympathetic nervous system activity and inflammation," he adds. "Neglecting medications or missing doses due to travel or schedule disruptions increasing risk in patients with hypertension, arrhythmia, heart failure, or coronary disease."
Plus, during the holidays, the indulgences run wild. Consuming the holiday staples like sugar-heavy desserts and high-fat meals can trigger blood pressure spikes, abnormal heart rhythms, and systemic inflammation. Alcohol intake also climbs this time of year, which can precipitate atrial fibrillation and other dangerous rhythm disturbances.
Holiday Behaviors That Trigger Cardiac Problems
"Overeating, drinking more, and elevated stress each affect blood flow and nitric oxide levels. Combined, they create a perfect opportunity for cardiovascular strain," Kocher says.
Beyond indulgent eating and drinking, Davis cites family-related emotional and social stress, financial pressure, travel, and overcrowded schedules as major contributors. These stressors activate stress hormones that can worsen cardiovascular symptoms.
Disrupted routines marked by more sedentary behavior, missed medications, and less sleep can weaken vascular and metabolic stability, further increasing cardiovascular risk during the holidays.
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How to Monitor Cardiovascular Warning Signs During the Holidays
Pay attention to classic warning symptoms, like chest pressure, tightness, burning, discomfort that worsens with exertion, shortness of breath at rest or with mild activity, unusual fatigue or weakness, palpitations or irregular heartbeat, sudden dizziness or fainting, new or worsening swelling in the legs or abdomen.
"Routinely monitoring blood pressure and heart rate can also be very helpful in detecting any heart issues prior to developing any of the symptoms mentioned above," Davis advises.
Related: Disrupted Circadian Rhythms May Increase Risk of Heart and Metabolic Disease, Study Finds