Did you know you’re more likely to experience chest pain this time of year? A study from the American Heart Association (AHA) found heart-related deaths increase by 5 percent during the holidays, with heart attacks peaking on Christmas, the day after Christmas and New Year’s Day. Chest pain around the holidays is most often caused by stress, overeating, overdrinking or overexertion from shoveling snow. Protect yourself from these chest-pain triggers by:
Having your doctor clear you for vigorous outdoor activity
Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or therapeutic exercise
Limiting calorie-laden desserts and drinks during holiday festivities. Check out the AHA’s guide to healthy holiday eating for tips and healthy alternatives.
As an accredited Chest Pain Center and a Primary Stroke Center, Porter’s professionals work closely with first responders and heart and vascular specialists to deliver fast, efficient care. To learn more about our emergency services, visit PorterHealth.com.