Heart attacks kill more people during the last week of December than any other time of year, the American Heart Association warns.
Holiday stress, overindulgence and cold weather create a deadly combination that peaks on Christmas Day, according to multiple studies.
'We don't know exactly what triggers this increase, but it's likely a combination of factors,' said Dr. Jairo Mejia, Chicago board president for the American Heart Association. 'Winter weather restricts blood flow when arteries constrict in cold temperatures. The holidays also bring added stress, parties and overindulgence in rich foods and alcohol.'
The numbers are stark:
- December 25 sees more cardiac deaths than any other day - Christmas Eve heart attacks spike 37%, peaking at 10 p.m.
