Winter’s Silent Threat: Heart Attacks Increase During the Holidays

Santa Maria, CA, December 2, 2025 – As the holiday season brings joy, celebration, and festive cheer, it also carries an often-overlooked risk—heart attacks. While many eagerly anticipate year-end festivities, doctors caution that December and January are peak months for heart-related emergencies. Medical experts explain that factors such as rich holiday foods, travel, colder weather, emotional stress, and other seasonal pressures can contribute to an increased risk of heart attacks during the holidays.

The Holiday Heart Attack Risk

Based on research from the American Heart Association, cardiac mortality is higher around Christmas and New Year’s than at any other time. From large holiday meals to crowded social events, the time of year can take a toll on both the body and mind. 

“The holiday season brings more than just cheer, it also brings a perfect storm of stressors,” says Dr. Kirsten Shaw, Cardiologist at Dignity Health’s Coastal Valley Health Center in Santa Maria. “From heavy meals and disrupted sleep to concerns over finances, travel, anxiety, and cold weather, these factors can take a serious toll on your heart. For many, this combination significantly raises the risk of heart attacks and other cardiac events and heart attack symptoms don’t always look like they do on TV.”

Prioritizing Self-Care

To combat the holiday heart attack spike, experts urge individuals to prioritize self-care. Between festive obligations and busy schedules, it’s easy to forget about your own health. Finding moments to rest, nourish your body, and practice mindfulness can make a big difference. “Start with just one healthy choice each day — whether it’s a heart-smart breakfast, a brisk walk, or taking a moment to breathe and de-stress,” advises Dr Shaw. “These small, consistent actions can protect your heart and even save your life over time.”

Avoid Overindulgence The holidays are also a time for indulgence, and overindulging in food and drink can lead to seasonal weight gain, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease. Studies show that more than half of annual weight gain occurs between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, with many people gaining up to 5 to 7 pounds during this short period.

To help prevent weight gain and maintain heart health, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends filling your plate with vegetables first and being mindful of portion sizes when eating calorie-heavy foods. Maintaining a healthy weight is important year-round, but especially during the holidays when temptations are everywhere.

Make Small Changes for Big Impact

The AHA emphasizes that simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke—the nation’s number one and number four killers, respectively. According to the World Health Organization, 80% of heart disease is preventable with small, everyday changes such as:

• Quitting smoking
• Engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week
• Eating a heart-healthy diet

Take Action Now

This holiday season, remember that taking care of your heart is a gift that will benefit you all year long. By prioritizing self-care, avoiding excess, and making mindful lifestyle choices, you can celebrate the season while reducing your risk of heart trouble.

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About Pacific Central Coast Health Centers
A service of  Dignity Health, Pacific Central Coast Health Centers (PHC) is a non-profit Community clinic organization comprised of nearly 50 health centers located along the coast primarily from Templeton to Ventura and also in Bakersfield. Our experienced physicians and advanced practice providers offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services. PHC is a part of Dignity Health Central Coast’s award-winning network of outstanding hospitals, urgent cares, imaging centers, laboratories, and post acute services. 

About Dignity Health California 
Dignity Health California is a nonprofit network of over 9000 physicians, more than 35,000 employees, 29 acute care hospitals, and 200-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics. Dignity Health California provides award-winning care to communities in five primary markets across the state: North State, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California. 

Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Learn more at DignityHealth.org and CommonSpirit.org.