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The holidays are meant to be full of joy, connection, and meaningful moments.
But every year, we see the same surprising trend in medicine: heart-related issues actually increase during the holiday season.

And it’s not because of bad luck.

It’s because of small habits that quietly stack up.

Why Heart Problems Spike During The Holidays

Between November and January, emergency rooms see a noticeable rise in heart attacks, high blood pressure crises, and heart rhythm issues. Even people who feel “mostly fine” can end up needing urgent care.

Why?

Because the holidays change our routines more than we realize.

• Meals are saltier and heavier than usual
• Stress levels climb with schedules, finances, and family dynamics
• Sleep gets shorter and more disrupted
• Exercise routines get pushed aside
• Checkups and medications sometimes get skipped “until after the holidays”

Individually, these things may not seem dangerous. Together, they can put real strain on the heart.

How These Holiday Habits Affect Your Heart

Your heart is incredibly resilient but it works best with balance.

• Extra sodium causes the body to hold onto fluid, raising blood pressure and forcing the heart to work harder
• Stress hormones increase heart rate and blood pressure over time
• Less movement reduces circulation and cardiovascular conditioning
• Poor sleep and dehydration disrupt heart rhythm and recovery
• Missed medications or appointments allow small problems to quietly worsen

That’s why some people experience serious symptoms even though they didn’t feel “sick” beforehand. The warning signs were there. They were just easy to ignore during a busy season.

What You Can Do To Protect Your Heart This Season

The good news? You don’t need perfection. A few simple, consistent shifts can make a big difference.

Here’s where to start:

Watch the salt.
Enjoy holiday meals. Just be mindful. Balance salty foods with fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water.

Keep moving.
You don’t need a full workout. Even 10 minutes of walking a day helps support healthy blood pressure and circulation.

Don’t skip care.
Keep taking your medications as prescribed and don’t put off checkups just because life feels busy.

Hydrate and prioritize sleep.
Both are essential for heart rhythm, blood pressure control, and stress recovery.

Listen to your body.
Chest discomfort, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness, or extreme fatigue are not symptoms to “wait out.”

A Final Reminder

This season, give your heart the same care you give everyone else.

Small choices made consistently can help you enjoy the holidays and protect your health long after the decorations come down.