Holiday heart attacks: A silent threat during joyful season

Holiday heart attacks. It’s a sobering statistic during what should be a joyful season. More cardiac deaths occur in the U.S. on December 25 than on any other day of the year. As we gather with family and friends, doctors say knowing the signs of a medical emergency can save a loved one’s life.

Dr. Arjun Mehta is a cardiac electrophysiologist at Rush Oak Park Emergency Room.

“There’s a huge influx of patients around this time of year,” he said. “

It’s not the present anyone wants during the holidays.

“Overindulgence in alcohol, salty, sugary foods, increased stress,” Mehta said. “And also, to some degree, people trying to procrastinate going to the hospital. It’s a joyous time of the year and you are trying to stay with your family, and so obviously can lead to some consequences.”

People age 75 and older are at higher risk as well as those with diabetes or previous cardiovascular disease.

“Signs like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, I would say get to the hospital, get medical attention the sooner the better,” Mehta said.

“We often find that people, even when they recognize it themselves, that they are not feeling well they may wait until the next day,” Mehta said. “Unfortunately you may have to interrupt your family activities to come into the ER.”

Bystanders should start CPR immediately and call 9-1-1.

“Out of hospital cardiac arrest survival rates are quite low, 10 percent, even less in some studies,” Mehta said. “But the initiation of good CPR, good chest compressions are incredibly important and can save lives.”

Dr Mehta also wants everyone to know the signs of a stroke. Remember the acronym FAST: