Heart attacks increase during the winter months according to a new study

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in America. A study in Circulation points to December 25 as the worst day for cardiac incidents, followed by December 26 and January 1.

Medical researchers don’t know why the risk of heart attacks are higher during the last week of December, but they suspect a number of factors could be involved.

The winter months are busy and exhausting, daily routines are frequently disrupted, people tend to eat and drink more, and generally exercise less and relax less. Doctors note that many people often participate in group activities, don’t listen to their bodies, or don’t want to see signs of winter break because they’re busy having fun, all this increase the risk of heart diseases.

Cold weather rise the risk of heart attacks

Another study published in the journal Circulation with help of the American Heart Association showed that about a third more heart attack deaths occur in December and January in Los Angeles County, where the climate is mild, than between June and September.

Doctors indicate that it is extremely important to understand the signs of a heart attack, which can be nausea or vomiting; jaw, neck, or back pain; chest tightness, or pain and shortness of breath. Women may feel faint, have upper abdominal pain, indigestion or extreme fatigue.

As long as you live a healthy lifestyle and take any medications, see your doctor if you have any warning signs of a heart attack. If you are at home and away from medical care, you should get help right away. It could be the difference between life and death.

How to take care of a heart health during the winter?

As temperatures drop, the risk of cardiovascular diseases rises. This is due to a combination of factors that make cardiac problems more likely during cold weather.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends reducing physical activity when it’s cold outside in order to help lower the risk of heart attacks. Cold weather can cause an increase in blood pressure, which places extra strain on the heart and can trigger cardiac events such as a stroke or attack. It is also important to stay warm and dress appropriately for colder temperatures in order to maintain body temperature and reduce stress on the circulatory system.

The AHA advises people with heart conditions to take extra caution when it’s cold out, as extreme temperatures may be dangerous for those suffering from high cholesterol, diabetes or hypertension. They also suggest avoiding high-fat foods during this time since they are known to increase blood pressure levels.

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