The holidays are a season of joy, connection and celebration, but they can also be one of the most stressful times of the year for your heart. Ochsner Health has tips to follow and triggers to avoid that will help keep your heart strong this season and beyond.
“The holidays can be hectic for all of us. It’s a change in routine. Our stress level can be elevated with travel plans, work and family events, and it can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause heart problems,” said Randy Del Mundo, MD, FACP, primary care specialist, Ochsner Health Center – Prairieville. “During the holidays, we are so busy, and individuals may not be paying attention to heart symptoms, such as being tired or fatigued. These symptoms may be overlooked or just chalked up to the busy season.”
Randy del Mundo, MD, FACP, Primary Care Specialist, Ochsner Health Center – Prairieville
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that an American dies of a heart-related disease every 60 seconds. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Louisiana, and the state ranks fifth in the nation in heart attack death rates. National research also shows that more heart attacks happen in December and January than at any other time of year.
Michael L. Bernard, MD, section head of Electrophysiology, Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans, said his team often sees a rise in heart rhythm disturbances around the holidays, which is sometimes referred to as “holiday heart.”
“Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common arrhythmia in adults. It is typically triggered by excess stress and pressure put on the heart by triggers like lack of sleep, stress, alcohol and dehydration,” Dr. Bernard said. “In addition, holiday foods are often high in fat, sugar and salt, which tend to raise blood pressure and put more pressure on the heart. We see alcohol have an effect, as well. Alcohol calms the body initially but eventually raises blood pressure and causes fluid retention and dehydration. Some alcohol levels can lead to a transient stunning of the heart — when the heart temporarily weakens due to a sudden physical or emotional stress — which can lead to other cardiac problems.”
Michael L. Bernard, MD, Section Head of Electrophysiology, Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans
Dr. Bernard said the good news is that there are several steps people can take to keep their hearts healthy during the holiday season. Moderation is key, especially when it comes to alcohol. Dr. Bernard recommends limiting alcohol to no more than two drinks per day or abstaining altogether and choosing creative alcohol-free drinks instead. Scheduling time for physical activity and rest is also important. People who struggle with mental health are urged to keep their provider’s contact information close by, so it is easily accessible if needed.
Dominique Williams, MD, director of Women’s Cardiovascular Clinic at Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans, said part of the challenge is recognizing symptoms early, especially among women, who may experience different warning signs than men. Dr. Williams said women may notice classic symptoms of heart problems, such as chest pain, shortness of breath or pain in the jaw or left arm. However, women are more likely to experience other symptoms that can be mistaken for common ailments, like indigestion or exhaustion.
“Women with heart disease often have fatigue, nausea or a burning sensation in the chest that can be mistaken for acid reflux,” Dr. Williams said. “These symptoms are often non-specific or mimic other diseases.”
Dominique Williams, MD, Director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Clinic, Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans
Dr. Williams said anyone who experiences common heart attack symptoms should seek medical care immediately. If their symptoms are atypical, she urged people to consider whether they occur during times of heightened activity.
“If someone notices that they don’t feel well, have a burning sensation, become nauseous or sweat profusely when they do an activity, that can be a sign of a serious heart problem and is something they should be concerned about,” she said. “Also, if you have tried treating acid reflux with over-the-counter medications and don’t see any improvement, that is another sign that it might not be acid reflux. It may be something else.”
Dr. Williams also suggested practicing gratitude, journaling, going for walks and carving out quiet time as ways to reduce stress.
“We treat the holiday season as a special time, but don’t forget your normal health routines,” Dr. Bernard added.
Jeffrey D. Fontenot, MD, primary care specialist, Ochsner Health Center – Broussard, said one of the most common mistakes people make is tossing out healthy habits entirely once the holiday season starts and telling themselves they’ll get back on track after the new year. Dr. Fontenot said prolonged periods of excessive eating and drinking, less exercise and a hectic schedule can have both short-term and long-term effects on a person’s heart health.
Jeffrey D. Fontenot, MD, Primary Care Specialist, Ochsner Health Center – Broussard
“Sometimes we get so hung up on trying to make sure our holidays look like a Hallmark movie,” he said. “That expectation can put a lot of stress on people. Cortisol is one of our stress hormones, and we know that increased cortisol levels raise blood pressure. When stress persists for several days or weeks, those hormones persist. They can increase blood pressure and blood sugars, which put a strain on the heart.”
Dr. Fontenot said he encourages people to stick to the basics during the holidays in order to maintain wellness. That means adhering to a regular sleep schedule, staying well-hydrated, limiting alcohol, eating smaller portion sizes and practicing mindfulness and restful hobbies. Exercise is also important, even if it is not especially vigorous.
“Yoga, Pilates or body weight exercises are good for our physical and mental health, and they can be done indoors,” he said. “You don’t have to be overly ambitious. Even light exercise helps.”
As the leading healthcare provider in Louisiana, Ochsner professionals are prepared to provide the best cardiac care in the state. Dr. Del Mundo said seeking medical treatment even for mild symptoms gives doctors more time to assess heart disease and risk factors. It also provides an opportunity to discuss long-term lifestyle changes related to weight, exercise and keeping blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol in check. If necessary, a referral to a cardiologist can be easily facilitated.
“We are the quarterbacks of heart health,” he said. “Talk to us about symptoms you have been experiencing. We can guide you, as well as make individual assessments concerning heart disease.”
Dr. Williams said that care is increasingly informed by the latest research, including how cardiovascular problems are different between men and women, and the role that hormones play in heart health.
“Everyone at Ochsner has an increased awareness about heart disease and a passion for taking care of all patients,” she said. “Our doctors are very well-aware of everything that comes with the holiday season, as well as what the most recent research tells us. We are here to help.”
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner is nationally recognized for inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities through unmatched expertise, quality and digital connectivity. In 2024, Ochsner’s more than 40,000 dedicated team members and 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians cared for 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 63 countries. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit www.ochsner.org.
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