Be of good cheer! Or else! The pressure to have a good time during the holiday season can bring it’s own consequences. Stress to spend too much, to eat too much and drink too much has effects on mood and health. There is a national trend in the increase of heart attacks from Thanksgiving until after New Years. The reasons are many, including getting too busy to follow an exercise plan, unusual drinking habits and changes in diet. Even having one really big meal. Sudden high blood levels of fat can trigger arteries that are badly clogged. Unusual salt intake may retain enough fluid to stress a delicate circulatory system to trouble. High alcohol blood levels can irritate the heart directly and dangerously. The irregular beat can lead to stroke. Cold weather constricts the blood vessels on the outside of the body. Cold medicine can raise blood pressure.
Losing sleep, traveling, flu season and missing medications all contribute.
One of the biggest problems in identifying a heart attack is the difference in symptoms between men and women. Pain in the arm and chest is more likely for guys. Ladies may not hurt. They may have pressure, sweating and shortness of breath. One of the biggest contributors to fatal heart attacks is a delay in treatment. We can make it faster on my end with programs to get angioplasty started within 90 minutes of reaching the emergency room. The longest delays happen when a person denies the problem, takes an antacid and waits too long to go to the hospital. Another trend to improve survival is changes in how CPR is being taught. It’s easier than ever to learn and to do. And you can even take a class in using automated defibrillators! Clear!
Before that happens, keep your schedule intact. Sleep eight hours. Drink your water. Take your walks. Refill your prescriptions. And don’t ignore your symptoms. And be of good cheer.