AHA: MI risks elevated during holidays, so heart-healthy practices needed
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More people die from MI between December 25 and January 1 than any other time of year, according to a press release from the American Heart Association.
"The holidays are a busy, often stressful, time for most of us. Routines are disrupted; we may tend to eat and drink more and exercise and relax less. We also may not be listening to our bodies or paying attention to warning signs, thinking it can wait until after the new year. All of these can be contributors to increasing the risk for heart attack at this time of the year," Donald Lloyd-Jones, MD, ScM, FAHA, president of the American Heart Association and Eileen M. Foell Professor of Heart Research, professor of preventive medicine, medicine and pediatrics, and chair of the department of preventive medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, said in the release.
According to the release, the AHA recommends that people:
- Know the symptoms of MI and take immediate action to prevent heart damage and increase chance of survival.
- Be mindful of diet and alcohol consumption can keep the heart healthy; don’t forget to watch the sodium.
- Take care of oneself and reduce stress brought on during the holiday season.
- Stay active by going for a walk or doing fun activities with loved ones, a recommended 150 minutes minimum of physical activity a week.
- Take medication in a timely manner every day.
MI risk “may be even more likely for many people who didn't get to be with family and friends last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. It's incredibly important to be aware of these risks. Take a few simple steps that can help keep you heart healthy with much to celebrate in the new year," Lloyd-Jones said in the release.
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