THE risk of having a heart attack peaks between December 25 and January 1, experts warn.
This suggests that stress, late nights and over-indulgence during the festive season can be deadly.
GettyPeople are more likely to ignore heart attack symptoms during the festive period[/caption]
Around 100,000 Brits are admitted to hospital for heart attacks every year.
It happens when supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot, the NHS says.
Scientists at the American Heart Association (AHA) trawled through heart attack data to find out what week of the year is most lethal.
A study published in Circulation, the flagship journal of the AHA, revealed that more cardiac deaths occur in the US on December 25 than on any other day of the year.
A separate study, which looked heart attacks reported in the UK, discovered that the most serious heart attacks occur on Mondays than any other day of the week.
This year, both December 25 and January 1 land on a Monday.
Doctor Johanna Contreras of the AHA said it’s likely a “combination” of holiday traditions triggers this increase in heart attacks.
She said: “Winter weather has been noted to increase heart attack risk due to restricted blood flow when arteries may be constricted in cold temperatures.
“We also know the holidays bring a lot of added stress to many people.
“There are many parties and family gatherings where many tend to overindulge in rich foods and drink.”
The surge in cases may also be linked to the flu season, which also raises the risk of heart attacks, particularly for over 65s with heart problems.
Doctor Johanna said heart attacks could also become more likely to Chritmas when people are more likely to ignore critical signs.
“While you may not want to spend the holidays in a doctor’s office or hospital, getting checked out and receiving prompt treatment if there is a problem is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones for all the celebrations to come,” she explained.
Heart attack: the 4 little know symptoms and treatment
A HEART attack is a serious medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot
Little known symptoms include:
feeling weak and/or light-headed
overwhelming feeling of anxiety
shortness of breath
sweating
Other symptoms:
chest pain – chest feels like it is being pressed or squeezed, and pain can radiate from the chest to the jaw, neck, arms and back
Not everyone experiences severe chest pain; the pain can often be mild and mistaken for indigestion.
It is the combination of symptoms that is important in determining if a person is having a heart attack, not the severity of chest pain.
Treating a heart attack:
Call 999 and ask for an ambulance if you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack.
If the person is not allergic to aspirin and it’s easily available, give them a tablet to slowly chew before swallowing while waiting for the ambulance. The aspirin will thin the blood and reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Further treatment for a heart attack will depend on how serious it is.
Two main treatments are:
using medication to dissolve blood clots
surgery to help restore blood to the heart
Source: NHS