A new analysis predicts more Iowans will die from heart attacks during the final week of December than any other week of the year, and heart experts say holiday habits are a big part of the problem.
Rob Gavora, chief administrative officer at MercyOne Iowa Heart Center in Des Moines and a board member for the Iowa chapter of the American Heart Association, says there isn’t just one cause. Stress, overeating and skipping medications all play a role.
“Many folks are obviously indulging in foods or other activities they might not normally be engaging in. Many folks aren’t quite as active during that time of the year as well, with their exercise and things of that nature,” Gavora says. “Many folks who are constantly taking medications or they’re on some type of medication cycle, they maybe take a break or discontinue (the meds) as they’re spending time with family, or traveling.”
Gavora says it’s important to watch for the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke all year, but especially over the next few weeks as holiday gatherings ramp up.
“Obviously, during the time of the year with family, friends, many folks have bigger meals or maybe different types of foods they don’t normally have throughout the year,” Gavora says. “Making sure folks stay on the healthy regimen as best as possible, exercising a few minutes per day as well. The American Heart Association recommends at least 20 minutes of exercise per day to really make sure you’re even just walking or moving and getting your cardiovascular health constant.”
He says it’s fine to indulge a little, but moderation and consistency are key — keep taking prescribed medications and try not to abandon healthy routines. One of the biggest dangers, he adds, is ignoring symptoms or delaying care.
“In Iowa, just like the rest of the country, about 70% of the cardiac arrests that do occur outside of a hospital or healthcare facility generally do happen at home,” Gavora says. “One piece of advice that we always really, really stress is that it’s super important that at least one person within a family or a group does know how to do hands-only CPR.”
In rural Iowa, where EMS response can take longer, those first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Gavora urges Iowans to learn the signs of heart attack and stroke and call 9-1-1 right away if they appear.
National studies show more cardiac deaths occur in the U.S. on December 25th than on any other day of the year, followed by December 26th and January 1st.
