The holidays are a fantastic time to celebrate with family and friends, enjoy great food, share laughter and give and receive generously. However, the holidays can also be a stressful time for many, especially those with heart failure and other chronic illnesses. Learning to manage stress during these days is crucial as the demands of the holidays can be many.
According to experts, heart attack episodes spike during the holiday season; this has to do with emotional stress, over indulgence of food and alcohol, extra physical demands which can include shoveling snow for those living in the north, and sudden changes to healthy routines.
What can you do to protect your heart? Firstly, know your risks. Is there a family history of heart failure? What are your blood pressure numbers? What is your exercise capability? Heart attacks are the number one killer worldwide and knowing your risks, understanding heart failure and learning to recognize its symptoms can help you live a healthier life and save you from a fatal episode.
If you take medications for your heart’s function or any other illness, are you re-fills up to date? Remember stores and pharmacies may be closed a day or two for the holiday celebrations. Always be prepared ahead of time.
Manage or cut down on holiday stressors such as financial burdens, emotional stress and too much physical exertion such as many late nights with poor sleep patterns, shoveling snow and/or carrying heavy objects.
Practice moderation when it comes to alcohol and unhealthy food choices. Too much sodium puts a high level of stress on the heart, and too much drinking can lead to atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm in which disorganized electrical signals cause the heart’s two upper chambers to contract irregularly, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.
Keep moving… the holidays are a busy time sometimes keeping you too busy to keep your exercise routine, yet even a 15-30 minute walk can provide great benefits to your heart and overall health. Just remember, too much physical exertion can worsen the burden and trigger a heart attack, keep it moderate and according to your abilities.
Dress warmly when exposed to cold temperatures. Frigid weather can be hard on the heart causing blood vessels to constrict which raises blood pressure and can lead to blood strokes. Stay warm.
Get help!! If you experience heart attack symptoms call 911 immediately and seek help from those nearby. Don’t postpone treatment because you don’t want to spoil the celebrations. Your presence is your best present to your loved ones.
Keep it beating!
