Ascension North East Wisconsin - Mercy Campus issued the following announcement on Dec. 17
Research shows that heart attacks occur more often during the holiday months. Some of the key contributing factors to this increased risk are related to changes in diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle.
It’s important to be mindful of your own health and well-being during this time and be aware of how the following seasonal changes can impact your heart health:
- The holidays tend to be a time where overeating and drinking becomes common, causing potential weight gain which in turn makes your heart work harder. Many holiday food options also have higher amounts of sodium, which can lead to a spike in blood pressure.
- Cold weather and busy schedules can make exercising a lower priority. However, the New Year dieting pressure can lead to drastic increases in exercise. Both of these situations can have a negative impact on your heart health.
- Stress is a major part of the holidays. The increase in family interactions, or the lack thereof, impacts emotional well-being. Financial stress from gifts, travel and entertaining loved ones can also contribute to elevated cardiac risk in the winter season.
- Reducing stress and/or asking for help when you’re overwhelmed
- Controlling portion sizes
- Getting quality sleep
- Exercising regularly
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Profuse sweating
- Lightheadedness
- Pain in other areas of the body (jaw, arm, shoulder)
- Shortness of breath
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up