SEATTLE — It's the season for holiday cheer for many but the final weeks of the year can also be a risky time for people with cardiovascular disease.
Studies have shown the holiday season is associated with a rise in heart attacks, even cardiovascular-related deaths.
In one study cited by the American Heart Association, cardiac deaths go up significantly between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Reasons for this are because of several factors like stress and diet, according to Dr. Robert Riley, an interventional cardiologist at Overlake Medical Center.
"The holidays are a fantastic time of year to celebrate friends and family. But with that, really does come some negative consequences," Riley said.
He cited stress, wintertime temperature changes, and a tendency to overindulge in food and drink as risk factors.
"All of those three things can definitely add to that increased risk," Riley said.
Riley said now would be an ideal time to remind loved ones about taking care of their heart health by way of holiday gifts.
One of his suggestions include a cookbook on the Mediterranean diet, which consists of foods that incorporate olive oil, produce, and fish.
"It's been around for a long time and there's a lot of data that shows that implementing that into your life can positively impact your heart health," Riley said.
He also recommends wearable fitness trackers like smart watches and even something as simple as a home blood pressure monitoring kit.
"It doesn't sound as sexy as you might want it to be, but really vital. We know that monitoring that blood pressure for those with high blood pressure and those at risk can really help lower that rate," Riley said.
Riley also said enjoying holiday goodies in moderation is okay for the general population.
"'Can I have some sweets? Can I have these types of things?' And really the answer is, our body was made to have most types of things. Restrictive diets have never really worked out where you exclude one type of thing, protein carbs, whatever. It's all about that moderation. So, first, it's about the moderation. Second, it's about continuing that exercise habit that you have," Riley said.