The below are excerpts from an article first published in the December 22, 2025 issue of the Westfair Business Journal.
Heart attacks and the holidays
The holiday season can bring more than Santa, Champagne, and bad holiday sweaters. A study published in Circulation, a journal published by the American Heart Association, found that more cardiac deaths occur in the United States on Dec. 25 than on any other day of the year, followed by Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
“No one wants to think of tragedy during this joyous time of year as we gather with family and friends,” says Matthew Fanous, a cardiologist with White Plains Hospital Physician Associates. “However, these startling facts are very sobering.”
Dr. Fanous says that “Many reasons are at play” for those eye-opening statistics. “Cold weather causes blood vessels to narrow, causing blood pressure to rise, thereby increasing strain on the heart,” he explains. “At the same time, people tend to break from their normal routines by eating more salt and sugar, drinking more alcohol and even skipping medications or delaying care because they don’t want to ‘ruin the holiday.’ It’s the perfect storm for someone who’s already at risk.”
Also playing a role are stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can surge during the holidays due to family dynamics, financial concerns, and travel. “Stress affects the body in many ways,” Dr. Fanous says. “It raises blood pressure, disrupts sleep, and can trigger arrhythmias. Overeating salty, fatty meals can elevate blood pressure and worsen heart failure symptoms while over drinking alcohol can lead to the ‘holiday heart syndrome’ (palpitations, atrial fibrillation or chest discomfort).
“It’s extremely common for people to blame their symptoms on ‘stress,’ ‘indigestion’ or ‘being run down,’ when in fact they’re having a cardiac event,” he adds. “That misunderstanding delays lifesaving care. If symptoms are unusual, persistent or severe, we should never assume they’re harmless.”
“A healthy holiday season starts before the celebrations begin. A few steps can make a major difference,”
the cardiologist says, offering the following tips for surviving (and thriving) during the holidays:
Physically
- Keep taking prescribed medications, even when traveling
- Get vaccinated against the flu, Covid-19 and RSV (if eligible)
- Prioritize sleep; aim for seven to eight hours every night
- Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity
- Enjoy holiday foods, but balance large meals with lighter ones and enjoy sweets in moderation
- Limit alcohol
Mentally
- Set realistic expectations; the holidays do not to be picture-perfect
- Schedule moments of calm
- Check on loved ones who may be struggling, something that can be protective for mental and physical health
“The holidays should be a time of connection and meaning, not a time of preventable health crises,” Dr. Fanous adds. “Staying mindful of our bodies and our emotional well-being helps ensure we enter the new year healthy and resilient.”
Dr. Matthew Fanous is a cardiologist with the WPHPA Hudson Valley Cardiovascular Group in Yorktown Heights. To make an appointment, call 914-849-3300.