Santa Maria Physicians’ Reminder For Heart Healthy Holidays
Jarrod Zinn
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Physicians at Dignity Health in Santa Maria are issuing a reminder that cardiac mortality rates trend higher during the holidays.
This is not just about heart attacks.
In addition, doctors are raising awareness of stroke symptoms as well as atrial fibrillation.
While the holidays are a time for celebration, local doctors advise that those very celebrations can have a tangible effect on heart.
“Especially the end of December, there’s an increased rate of heart attack,” says Dr. Kirsten Shaw, a cardiologist with Dignity Health’s Coastal Valley Health Center. “Another thing that happens is there’s an increased incidence of cardiac rhythm problems or abnormal rhythms in the heart. Another thing that occurs is just uncontrolled high blood pressure that gets worse during this time of year.”
The American heart association shows that heart attacks and strokes, often linked to various stress factors, experience a sharp increase during the months of December and January.
“One of those things is increased alcohol intake around the holidays,” says Dr. Shaw. “Alcohol, especially excessive drinking or binge drinking, can really impact the heart and leads to things. One specific thing we call Holiday heart, which is the incidence of atrial fibrillation or fast irregular heart rhythm. And this can affect anyone, even as young as our twenties up to our older age population.”
Doctors say stressors such as travel or overindulgence of richer foods have significant effects on your heart’s health.
Additionally, engaging with relatives you don’t normally spend time with can affect your heart in a myriad of ways.
“And we’re not trying to be a party pooper,” says Dr. Shaw. “You should have a lot of fun with your family and celebrate and indulge a little, but try in the back of your mind to remember everything in moderation.”
Dr. Shaw says making small decisions can have big impacts.
Doctors encourage the prioritization of self-care, saying to pace yourself, avoid excess, and keep making mindful choices in the midst of all the celebrations.
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