The Holidays Are Important Time for Heart Care

During the holiday seasons many people tend to forget their diet and eat a large amount of sweets and other heavy foods. In addition to the stress that many experience during the holiday season this can be very dangerous for the heart. The colder temperatures of the winter season can also put extra strain on the heart. As a result emergency rooms are filled with patients every holiday season that have abnormal heart beats and rhythms.

So consider some heart care tips to have a enjoyable and fun holiday season. First it is important to know whether or not you are at risk for heart conditions. Things that can increase your risk include smoking, age, obesity, poor lifestyle, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and a family history of heart conditions. If you believe you are at risk for heart conditions then it is all the more important that you take care to watch yourself this holiday season.

Always make sure you know what the warning signs are for a heart attack so you can seek help right away if needed. Symptoms include pain or pressure in the chest for more than a couple minutes or reoccurs several times; pain or discomfort in other areas of the body especially the arms, back, neck and jaw; shortness of breath; sweating, nausea and lightheadedness. If you believe you are having a heart attack you should see a doctor right away or call 911 if the symptoms are bad since faster treatment can increase your chances of a better recovery.

To prevent a heart attack you should take heart care steps including improving your lifestyle. To do this you should stop smoking, loose weight, diet and exercise regularly. Going to the doctor for regular checkups is another good preventative measure.