Keep your heart content as holidays approach

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Fall and winter holidays are a time to gather, celebrate and indulge in scrumptious meals and desserts. Amid all this goodness, the season also can stress your heart. Dr. Oscar Bailon, a cardiologist with the UW Medicine Heart Institute in Seattle, shares simple guidance on maintaining cardiac health. 

“Even for people who don't have any [underlying] conditions, if you don't measure the amount of alcohol or the amount of salt, fat or sugar in your diet, that can cause heart problems,” he said. 

From indulging in rich meals and to festive drinks and being active in the cold outside air, holiday traditions can increase one’s risk for heart trouble.  Similarly, busier social schedules and heightened expectations can create anxiety and frustration.  

“With a great deal of emotional stress, the heart can actually become weak. You can have what we call acute congestive heart failure,” Bailon said. “Each person is different. The key is recognizing how much stress you’re facing.” 

Staying active is one of the best ways to protect your heart. But during this time of year, Bailon added, it is important to be mindful that low temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, raise blood pressure and make the heart work harder. Cold weather can even trigger arrhythmias.   

“Physical activity is very important for our lives,” he said. “But during the holidays, especially in cold temperatures, it can put us at risk. When you’re out, keep warm, don’t overdo it, and recognize when it’s enough.” 

Written by Nathan Hyun.

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