Heart healthy for the holidays Published Nov. 17, 2008 By Debbi Thornton, RN Civilian Health Promotion Service EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Making a wish list for the holidays? One thing not to include is the "Merry Christmas Coronary" a phrase coined by researchers who say that death rates from heart attack, stroke and other heart related causes spike this time of year. Deaths related to heart disease soar in December and January, reaching their peak on Christmas and New Year's Day. Researchers at Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute list several possible reasons for the increase in cardiovascular problems during the holidays. Typically, legions of Americans are busy shopping, partying and traveling which can lead to problems such as drinking to excess, eating more than usual and forgetting to take prescribed medication. Exercise routines are often disrupted or ignored. People tend to gain weight and have a higher salt intake which can also put more stress on a weakened heart. Researchers have further found that those experiencing cardiovascular symptoms often delay getting treatment to avoid disrupting holiday festivities. Emergency rooms nationally report that individuals with symptoms of heart attack or stroke are more likely to die due to ignoring discomfort until it becomes severe and other serious symptoms have begun to appear. The American Heart Association reports that coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the number 3 cause of death and both often lead to serious disability. It is important that you know the warning signs and respond quickly and properly should they appear. Heart attack warning signs include chest pain or discomfort or discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Most heart attacks involve some discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back. It can also feel like pressure, squeezing, or fullness. Symptoms may include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. The most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort for both men and women. However women are somewhat more likely than men to experience the other common symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Signs of a stroke may include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body. If a person displays these symptoms, ask them to smile, squeeze your hands with theirs; can they stand steadily or walk a straight line. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding may occur. Ask the symptomatic person to repeat a phrase such as "Mash a mound of mushy mangos on Monday." Also ask simple questions such as their address, and where they are now. These may help show slurring of speech or ability to comprehend. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and difficulty holding onto objects may be indicators, as well as sudden severe headache with no known cause. If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, do not delay. Call 911 or emergency medical services immediately. It is also important to note the time that the symptoms appear and report this to emergency personnel. FDA approved medication and treatments are available and proven to reduce disability and save lives, but in order to be effective, they must be administered quickly after symptoms appear. Heart attack and stroke are life and death emergencies; every second counts. Recognizing signs and symptoms and quickly calling for emergency medical services are critical to survival. Seeking prompt treatment may assure you and your loved ones will celebrate together for many holidays to come.