blood flow and oxygen while at the same time your blood pressure is increased. Both of these greatly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. As if that wasn’t enough, cold weather also causes the blood to clot more easily, which again increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
7. Postponing treatment
Understandably, a lot of folks just don’t want to leave the holiday festivities and go to the ER; this frequently leads to delayed diagnosis of heart attacks and strokes, which can significantly worsen the prognosis. When it comes to matters of the heart (hypertension, heart failure, heart attack) and brain (hypertension and stroke), ignoring symptoms will not make them or their subsequent consequences go away.
Reducing your risk
So, what can you do to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke during the winter holidays?
1. Stress reduction
While not always easy, this is hugely important when it comes to reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes during the holidays. Just remember the reason for the season (spoiler alert, it is not to be stressed out, trying to find the perfect gift for everyone), and take a few moments to pamper yourself (be it something as simple as making time for a ten-minute tea break or something more elaborate like a nice spa treatment). No matter how you do it, stress reduction is key.
2. Exercise
This one isn’t just for the holidays as regular daily exercise (30 minutes per day) all year long greatly reduces the risk of hypertension, heart attack and stroke. As an added bonus, it is also a great stress reliever.
3. Watch what you eat and how much
Reducing your intake of salt, fat, cholesterol and sugar all year long (not just for the holiday season) will improve your overall health while again reducing the risk of hypertension, heart disease and stroke. And while you are at it, remember moderation. Eat less and spread the meals out to keep that blood flowing less to your stomach and more to your brain and heart.
4. Limit alcohol to 2 drinks for men and 1 drink daily for women
A drink is defined as 5 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer. In the appropriate amounts, alcohol has been found to actually improve heart health, but in excessive amounts, it increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
5. Protect yourself from the cold
Limit your time in the cold and when you absolutely must be in the cold, make sure that you bundle up and cover all exposed skin.
6. Don’t assume that it is “just heartburn” or that “it will pass with time”
If you experience any of the signs of a potential heart attack and/or stroke listed below, seek medical care immediately!
- Chest pain: Chest pain, especially left-sided chest pain, can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the heart, which leads to a heart attack. Chest pain at rest or with exertion can both be warning signs and should never be ignored.
- Chest tightness: Much like chest pain, chest tightness can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the heart, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.
- Excessive fatigue: While the holidays are definitely hustle and bustle, if you find that your level of fatigue is more than what you would expect for your level of activity, especially if it doesn’t improve with adequate rest, seek medical attention. This can be a sign of low oxygen levels, which can cause both heart attack and/or stroke.
- Nausea/vomiting: Sure, this could be the result of Aunt Bertha’s dreaded holiday dinner, but it can also be an early warning sign of a heart attack and/or stroke. If the symptoms don’t subside quickly, especially after taking an over-the-counter medication for nausea/vomiting or heartburn, seek medical attention.
- Dizziness: While many people attribute dizziness to fatigue, dehydration, or over-indulging in alcohol, dizziness can also be a sign of either a heart attack or stroke and should never be ignored.
- Arm/jaw/neck pain: Pain in any of these areas can be potential symptoms of a heart attack, especially if they occur on the left side. If you are experiencing these symptoms with or without exertion, seek medical attention immediately.
- Persistent headache: This could of course be related to overexertion, dehydration, or over-indulging in alcohol, but in all of these situations a little rest, rehydration and over-the-counter pain relievers should quickly take care of the symptoms. If headaches persist, medical care should be sought immediately.
Idries J. Abdur-Rahman, MD, FACOG is a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist. He practices alongside his twin brother Dr. Jamil (who is also a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist) in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. Dr. Idries is a married father of two sons and three daughters and he is an avid traveler and runner. Learn more at TwinDoctorsTV.com.