Prevent heart attack, make sure to avoid these 4 things

Numerous scientific studies thus far have shown that during New Year's and Christmas holidays, an increasing number of heart attacks have been observed, and that from December 25 to January 1, more people die from a heart attack than at any other time of the year.

The American Heart Association (AHA) warned that most people die from heart attacks in that period, as the holiday season is stressful for many. Much food, alcohol, and people move less.

This is why the world's leading nonprofit organization, which deals with heart and brain health, offered suggestions on how to prepare for holidays to avoid a potential heart attack and offered advice that could help you spend a happy and healthy vacation season.

“Eating is a stressful time for most people, during which they usually have to fulfill many obligations, often at the same time. Rutina is concerned, we eat and drink more, we exercise less, and we relax less. At the same time, many of us do not listen to our body or pay attention to warning signs, such as pressure and pain in the chest, often accompanied by panting, thinking that going for an examination can wait until the end of vacation. During this holiday period, all as far as possible can contribute to increased risk for heart attacks”, warns Donald Lloyd-Jones, president of the American Heart Association and Eileen M. Foel, cardiologists, head of the Department of Preventional Medicine at the Feinberg Medical School of Northwestern University of Chicago.

“The situation may be even more difficult for all who, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictive measures last year, failed to spend vacations with family and friends. It is extremely important that people be aware of these dangers. We advise you to take some simple steps that will help you keep your heart healthy and that will enable you to have much more parties in the new year”, say American cardiologists.

There are some things to consider during this holiday season, and you can check the list twice.

You would do well to know the symptoms of a heart attack so that you can take the right steps if necessary.

The signs of a heart attack can be different in men and women, and it's important to get to know them early and call an ambulance. The sooner you get medical help, the better the chances of surviving and preventing heart muscle damage.

It is time to consume more food and alcohol than usual. Healthful feeding during the holidays does not necessarily mean that you deprive yourself of a certain type of food; rather, it is enough to consume it moderately and to care for the amount of salt it puts into the organism.

Find time for yourself during the season of difficult holidays. Try to reduce the stress that family meetings may create, financial problems, busy times, and other stress sources that are characteristic of the time, and this applies to travel.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week, but that number usually falls during holiday season. Try to stay active, take a family walk, or select another recreation that you can have with family members or friends.

Don't forget to take the prescribed drugs regularly. During the holiday season, it is often possible that you will unwittingly overlook therapy. AHA advises you not to forget to take your medication regularly and not to delay getting to the emergency if you feel pressure and chest pain, often accompanied by panting.