During holidays and special occasions, when tables are overflowing with heavy meals and alcohol consumption is higher than usual, there is a hidden heart health risk that is often overlooked.
Doctors call this phenomenon "holiday heart syndrome"; the term is often associated with heart rhythm disorders, but according to experts, holiday heart attacks can manifest in different ways and are more common than previously thought, wrote ABC7.
Mario Castro, 57, has a healthy heart and lungs today. However, he was at serious risk during the 2022 New Year's holiday period.
"I was under a lot of stress and felt extremely tired," he said.
However, Castro explained that he went to work but couldn't ignore an unusual feeling.
"I started to feel a slight pressure on my arm, like someone was measuring my blood pressure," he recalled.
Castro works as an ultrasound technician and happened to be near his cardiologist's office.
Dr. Kevin Ariani of Dignity Health Northridge found that two of the patient's arteries were blocked.
It was a full-blown heart attack, and according to doctors, these types of cases are very common during holiday periods.
Ariani said, "We see about a 30 to 40 percent increase in heart attack cases on Christmas Eve," adding that this number also increases by 15 to 20 percent around New Year's.
He explained that this could be due to people consuming heavier and saltier foods while celebrating.
In addition, many people are postponing doctor visits, exercising less, sleeping less, drinking more alcohol, and experiencing more anxiety.
Ariani said, "People should be happy, but for a variety of reasons they are often more stressed."
Holiday periods can also bring feelings of sadness, loneliness, and isolation, which can lead to depression, and depression is a significant risk factor for heart disease.
"According to our observations, people over 70 or 75 years old experience heart attacks more frequently during this period," the doctor emphasized.
To reduce the risk, the doctor's advice is simple: Do the exact opposite of what people usually do during holidays.
"Be mindful of alcohol consumption, limit heavy and salty foods, and get enough sleep. Sleep is crucial. Discuss your concerns with your doctor and don't postpone your visits until after the holidays," he said.
According to Mario Castro, managing stress is key to good health.
"I exercise at least three times a week, I meditate, and that has helped me cope with daily stress. We all experience stress," she said.
The fact that he experienced symptoms near the doctor's office proved crucial. Doctors managed to open the blocked arteries within 30 minutes.
Castro is looking forward to spending the holidays with his family and friends this Christmas.
"I even got permission from my doctor to eat a delicious steak during the holidays," he said, laughing.
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