Stay Safe and Avoid Holiday Heart Syndrome This Thanksgiving

SPRINGFIELD — Thanksgiving, while one of the most joyful and anticipated times of the year, also brings an unfortunate rise in cardiac emergencies. In Springfield, cardiac arrest cases often double during this time of year. Overconsumption of food and alcohol, lack of physical activity, and holiday-related stress can trigger what’s known as holiday heart syndrome, a temporary condition that causes irregular heartbeats.

Kim D’Angelo, director of Operations at American Medical Response Springfield, offers the following tips to help keep families safe and healthy:

• Enjoy in moderation. Overeating and excess drinking can raise blood pressure and cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart complications.

• Manage stress. Don’t overextend yourself with travel or unrealistic holiday expectations. It’s great to see loved ones, but don’t strain yourself or risk injury from hanging decorations.

• Seek care early. Don’t delay medical attention if something feels off. By putting off going to the doctor’s office until after the holidays, you risk waiting until an issue is too late to be treated.

• Most importantly, know the warning signs of cardiac arrests: discomfort in the chest or other areas of the upper body, such as the arms, stomach, shoulders, neck, or jaw; breaking out in a cold sweat, lightheadedness, or nausea; or shortness of breath.