The holidays bring family, food and celebration — along with financial pressure, travel and long to-do lists. That combination of stress, rich meals, alcohol and disrupted routines can put extra strain on the heart, especially one already affected by disease.

Key Points

• Research has found cardiac deaths increase around the winter holidays, peaking on December 25, December 26 and January 1.
• Heart attack warning signs are easy to dismiss during a busy season.
• Delaying care until after the holidays can be dangerous.
• Simple habits can reduce holiday heart risk.

What the Research Shows

A study published in the journal Circulation analyzed 53 million U.S. death certificates from 1973 to 2001. Researchers from the University of California and Tufts University found about 5% more cardiac deaths during the holiday period than expected. The highest numbers occurred on Christmas Day, followed by December 26 and New Year's Day.

Possible explanations include emotional stress, heavier eating and drinking, cold weather, travel and — importantly — people putting off medical care.

Why Symptoms Get Missed

Heart disease warning signs can be subtle at any time of year, and the holidays make them easier to explain away. Shortness of breath gets blamed on rushing through stores. Fatigue gets blamed on late parties. Nausea or indigestion gets blamed on an unfamiliar dish. Many people don't want to interrupt a gathering or a trip for what "might be nothing."

Ways to Protect Your Heart This Season

• Know the warning signs — chest discomfort, shortness of breath, pain in the arms, back, neck or jaw, nausea, cold sweats and unusual fatigue — and don't ignore them.
• Call 911 promptly if you suspect a heart attack, even if you're traveling or hosting.
• Eat and drink in moderation. Heavy meals and excess alcohol can trigger heart rhythm problems and strain the heart.
• Watch the salt. Holiday foods are often high in sodium, which raises blood pressure.
• Keep taking your medications and pack enough for travel.
• Stay active with walks after meals.
• Manage stress by setting realistic plans and budgets and getting enough sleep.

Knowing Your Risk Ahead of Time

The best time to learn about heart disease is before symptoms appear. A coronary calcium scan measures plaque in the heart's arteries, giving people and their doctors a clearer picture of risk. For a more detailed assessment, the HeartIQ scan adds analysis of heart structure, and real patient experiences are shared on the Stories of Survival page.

The Takeaway

Don't let a busy calendar be the reason you overlook warning signs. If something feels wrong, get checked right away — the celebration can wait.