Northern California doctor explains why heart attacks peak during the holidays
ALL RIGHT, LET’S SWITCH GEARS A LITTLE BIT HERE. THE HOLIDAYS ARE OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH JOYFUL HEARTS, BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT DOCTORS SAY DECEMBER AND JANUARY ARE ACTUALLY PEAK MONTHS FOR HEART RELATED EMERGENCIES? THIS MORNING WE WELCOME DIGNITY HEALTH CARDIOLOGIST DOCTOR AMARDEEP SINGH. DOCTOR SINGH, GOOD TO SEE YOU. THANKS SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE. THANK YOU. OKAY, SO PEOPLE DON’T OFTEN ASSOCIATE HEART PROBLEMS WITH THE HOLIDAYS, BUT WHY IS THERE AN UPTICK IN IN HEART EMERGENCIES? YEAH. NO. THE HOLIDAYS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE VERY JOYOUS TIME. BUT UNFORTUNATELY WE DO SEE AN INCREASED RISK OF HEART EVENTS DURING THE HOLIDAYS, OFTEN DUE TO OVERINDULGENCE, INCREASED SODIUM AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. SO STRESS CAN ALSO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. BUT WE CAN SEE AN INCREASED RISK OF HEART ATTACKS. IRREGULAR HEARTBEATS CALLED ATRIAL FIBRILLATION OR HEART FAILURE. YEAH, AND THERE ARE SOME DIFFERENCES TOO, BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN. SO TALK ABOUT THE DIFFERENT SIGNS THAT BOTH GENDERS SHOULD BE LOOKING OUT FOR. ABSOLUTELY. SO WOMEN CAN HAVE ATYPICAL PRESENTATIONS OF HEART DISEASE OR HEART ATTACKS. SO IT CAN BE ANYTHING FROM SHOULDER PAIN, BACK PAIN, ABDOMINAL PAIN, INDIGESTION, JAW PAIN. SO JUST TO BE COGNIZANT THAT IF YOU’RE HAVING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. AND WHAT ABOUT FOR MEN. WHAT ARE THEIR WHAT WERE THEIR SYMPTOMS BE LIKE. SO THERE’S DIFFERENT PRESENTATIONS SHORTNESS OF BREATH, CHEST PRESSURE. AGAIN MEN CAN ALSO HAVE ATYPICAL PRESENTATIONS. SO JUST IF YOU’RE FEELING OFF SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. GET AN EKG OR CALL YOUR DOCTOR. THAT’S WHAT I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU. YOU KNOW, AT SOME POINT I MEAN, NO ONE WANTS TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL ON CHRISTMAS DAY, RIGHT? BUT WHAT WHAT WOULD YOU SAY NEEDS TO RISE TO THE LEVEL OF SAYING, OKAY, IT’S TIME FOR ME TO GO IN. THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG. YEAH. SO AGAIN, YOU KNOW, HOLIDAYS ARE A GREAT TIME. GREAT TIME TO CONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, BUT ALSO CONNECT WITH YOURSELF, YOU KNOW, UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU’RE FEELING. SO BASICALLY MAKING SURE THAT YOU’RE GETTING ENOUGH REST, HYDRATION, TAKING YOUR MEDICATIONS. BUT IF YOU’RE NOTICING THAT YOU’RE NOT FEELING WELL, YOU’RE SHORT OF BREATH OR YOU’RE HAVING CHEST PAIN, OR YOUR SYMPTOMS ARE JUST DIFFERENT THAN WHAT YOU TYPICALLY EXPECT, YOU SHOULD SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. OKAY, SO WE ARE A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS. I KNOW THAT THERE’S A BIG HUSTLE AND BUSTLE FOR A LOT OF FAMILIES, BUT WHAT SHOULD FOLKS BE DOING RIGHT NOW? KIND OF IN PREPARATION AND TO MAYBE STOP THE STRESS BEFORE IT STARTS? OH, ABSOLUTELY. SO YEAH, MAKING SURE YOU’RE GETTING ENOUGH REST, RIGHT? SLEEP IS IMPORTANT. HYDRATION, TAKING YOUR MEDICATIONS ROUTINELY EXERCISE. THESE ALL CAN BE VERY IMPORTANT. BUT ALSO WHEN YOU’RE EATING AND WHEN YOU’RE AT THAT HOLIDAY MEAL. AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDS FILLING UP YOUR PLATE WITH MOSTLY WITH VEGETABLES. NEXT PROTEIN AND THEN LAST CARBOHYDRATES. OKAY. VERY VERY GOOD ADVICE. ALL RI
Northern California doctor explains why heart attacks peak during the holidays
Updated: 10:58 AM PST Dec 22, 2025
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The holiday season is known for joy, connection and celebration, but doctors say it’s also a time when heart health can quietly take a hit.As many of us bundle up against the cold and juggle packed calendars, medical experts warn that December and January are the busiest months for heart-related emergencies. Research from the American Heart Association shows cardiac-related deaths peak around Christmas and New Year’s, more than any other time of year.So, what’s behind the seasonal spike?Doctors point to a perfect storm of factors: colder temperatures that strain the heart, rich holiday foods high in salt and fat, long-distance travel, disrupted sleep schedules and emotional stress. Even the excitement of the season can take a physical toll.Health experts say the good news is that many holiday heart risks are preventable.Cardiologists recommend moderation at meals, staying hydrated, prioritizing sleep, managing stress and continuing prescribed medications.Simple steps like taking a walk after dinner, limiting alcohol, and making time for rest can make a meaningful difference.Doctors also urge people not to ignore symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue — even if it’s an inconvenient time. Dignity Health cardiologist Dr. Amardeep Singh joined KCRA 3 on Monday morning to talk further about heart health.Click the video above to watch the full interview. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
The holiday season is known for joy, connection and celebration, but doctors say it’s also a time when heart health can quietly take a hit.
As many of us bundle up against the cold and juggle packed calendars, medical experts warn that December and January are the busiest months for heart-related emergencies.
Research from the American Heart Association shows cardiac-related deaths peak around Christmas and New Year’s, more than any other time of year.
So, what’s behind the seasonal spike?
Doctors point to a perfect storm of factors: colder temperatures that strain the heart, rich holiday foods high in salt and fat, long-distance travel, disrupted sleep schedules and emotional stress.
Even the excitement of the season can take a physical toll.
Health experts say the good news is that many holiday heart risks are preventable.
Cardiologists recommend moderation at meals, staying hydrated, prioritizing sleep, managing stress and continuing prescribed medications.
Simple steps like taking a walk after dinner, limiting alcohol, and making time for rest can make a meaningful difference.
Doctors also urge people not to ignore symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue — even if it’s an inconvenient time.
Dignity Health cardiologist Dr. Amardeep Singh joined KCRA 3 on Monday morning to talk further about heart health.
Click the video above to watch the full interview.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
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