For many people, the holiday season is a blend of fun and frenzy.
But the added stress of preparations, travel and family gatherings, the indulgent meals and increased alcohol consumption — as well as cold weather and respiratory viruses — can take a toll on the heart.
Research indicates that more cardiac-related deaths occur on Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1 than any other days of the year. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming nearly 700,000 lives a year.
Brock Cookman
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That means it’s important for people to practice moderation and watch for symptoms of heart problems during the holidays, said Dr. Brock Cookman, an interventional cardiologist with Bryan Heart in Lincoln.
Typically, people are less likely to seek medical care during this time of year.
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“At times, we minimize some of our symptoms around the holidays because we want to be with family and we don’t want to burden them with … some of the things that we’re feeling,” Cookman said. “Ultimately, that can lead to later diagnosis and delayed patient care.”
Older people may have trouble getting to the doctor if family members or caregivers are away or unavailable, he said. It’s also more common for people to forget to take medications, particularly if schedules are disrupted by holiday activities.
Cookman said cardiologists are most concerned about three conditions, the foremost being heart attacks. Those with a history of cardiovascular disease or stroke, a previous heart attack, underlying conditions such as diabetes and obesity or a smoking history are at increased risk for cardiovascular events, including heart attacks.
Among symptoms to watch for, he said, is chest pain, which includes pressure, tightness or a dull ache. It’s also a concern if those feelings radiate to the back, left arm or jaw or if they’re associated with nausea or profuse sweating, fail to resolve or worsen with exertion.
In women, nausea, lightheadedness, back pain and fatigue also can be indicators of a heart issue.
Worsening of congestive heart failure, in which the heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to support other organs, also is a concern during the holidays. That can occur if people become lax about regulating salt and water intake. A high salt intake can cause fluid to build up, resulting in swelling or shortness of breath.
Another common issue cardiologists see around the holidays is atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can be caused by alcohol. Those who experience it should be evaluated by their physician or, in an emergency, seek emergency care, Cookman said.
Both cold conditions and respiratory viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 naturally constrict blood vessels, putting more pressure on the heart to work and pump blood. They also can affect breathing, leading to lower oxygen levels.
Snow is particularly worrisome, Cookman said, because people feel like they have to get out and clear it themselves. But shoveling can put additional stress on the bodies of those with a history of cardiovascular disease, both because of the cold and the fact that it may involve more activity than they are accustomed to.
If a family or friend experiences heart attack symptoms, people should call 911 or get them to the nearest emergency room.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2022
Josie Mottl, 25, of Omaha, looks though her fiancé’s things that need to be moved from the Legacy Crossing apartment complex at 10535 Ellison Plaza. It has been closed by the city and residents are being forced out after inspectors found the 17 buildings and more than 400 units to be unlivable. Photographed in Omaha on Monday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Brian Begley, principal of Bluestem Middle School, speaks in the library during a tour of the building, which is still under construction.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Tony Cirian flocks a wreath with the color green. Flocking keeps trees and wreaths from drying out too quickly.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Tony Cirian sprays glitter on a Christmas tree he just flocked the color blue on Friday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Residents and volunteers look at items during a holiday ‘shopping’ event for the memory care unit residents at CountryHouse Residence in Elkhorn on Friday. Each resident gets to pick out free holiday presents for their loved ones and themself. All the gifts are donated.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford watches as David Avanesyan goes down in the sixth round for a knockout on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford listens to the crowd chanting his name before his bout with David Avanesyan on Saturday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford enters the arena to take on David Avanesyan on Saturday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Referee Sparkle Lee signals a knockout of David Avanesyan in the sixth round by Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Steven Nelson, right, wins in a first-round knockout against James Ballard on Saturday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Steven Nelson, gets ready to box James Ballard on Saturday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Creighton’s Mallory Brake (14) and Drake’s Grace Berg (43) stretch out for the ball during their game on Saturday in Omaha.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Emmanuel Bandoumel (25) and Keisei Tominaga (30) react to a foul called on their team during the second half of the game against Purdue in Lincoln on Saturday.
KATY COWELL, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Emmanuel Bandoumel (25) reacts to a foul called on C.J. Wilcher (0) during the game against Purdue in Lincoln on Saturday.
KATY COWELL, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Wilhelm Breidenbach (32) comes down with an offensive rebound during the game against Purdue in Lincoln on Saturday.
KATY COWELL, THE WORLD-HERALD
General Anthony J. Cotton acknowledges members of the military on the second level after accepting command at U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base on Friday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Gen. Anthony J. Cotton speaks to the media after accepting command at U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base on Friday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
A toy rabbit lies on a pile of burned debris after 2866 Vane St. after a fire Tuesday night sent seven people, including four children to the hospital.
CHRIS MACHIAN THE WORLD-HERALD
Papio South’s Kate Ligon smiles at teammates after time expires during a game at Papillion La Vista South High School on Tuesday.
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
Tom Rubin, a transit professional and streetcar opponent, raised concerns to council members. “The TIF revenue just may not be there when you need it,” Rubin said.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Creighton’s Allison Whitten walks off the court after losing their NCAA Volleyball Tournament first round match to Auburn at Sokol Arena in Omaha on Friday.
EILEEN T. MESLAR/THE WORLD-HERALD
Creighton players congratulate freshman Ann Marie Remmes (center) scored a point during the fourth set of their NCAA Volleyball Tournament first round match against Auburn at Sokol Arena in Omaha on Friday.
EILEEN T. MESLAR/THE WORLD-HERALD
Lincoln Southeast’s Bangot Dak (3) shoots the ball over Omaha Westside’s Kevin Stubblefield (3) in the Lincoln Southeast vs. Omaha Westside boy’s basketball game at Omaha Westside High School on Thursday.
