Cardiologist warns about heart attack death spike during winter holidays

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — One cardiologist is urging people to know the symptoms of a potential heart attack as we get close to Christmas.

Research shows that more people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year.

“If you’re at risk of a heart attack or think you’re having a heart attack, don’t ignore it just because its the holidays,” says Frederick Meine, MD. “You need to be taken care of; you need to be going to the emergency room, calling 911 because if you wait too long, it can be too late.”

Meine says the most notable heart attack symptoms people can experience are shortness of breath, chest pains, and pain shooting down the arm.

The holidays can be a time for bountiful food and also a time of stress due to planning and hosting gatherings involving families and friends.

Make sure to have some down time just for yourself to reduce stress, and look for ways to eat smart and don’t forget to watch your salt intake.