Northwest Iowa — The song lyric says this is “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the stress of the holiday season can also put you at greater risk for a life-threatening medical episode.
Cardiologist Dr. Vincent Pompili says it’s well-documented that cases of cardiac arrest rise between December 25th and January 7th.
Dr. Pompili says risk factors for heart attacks include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a family history and smoking.
He says the biggest mistake people make is that they don’t seek help when they notice a potential problem.
The number-one day of the year for heart attacks is December 25th followed by December 26th and January 1st. If you think you might be having heart trouble, call 9-1-1. Don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital unless there’s no other option, as ambulance personnel can start treatment right away. Plus, they’re trained to revive you if your heart stops.
