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These 4 Holiday Habits May Be Putting Your Heart at Risk
December 21, 2025
Heart attacks don’t take a holiday. In fact, doctors see more of them between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than at any other time of year..
“Unfortunately, we consistently see more heart attacks around the holidays,” says Sarfaraz Memon, MD, cardiologist with Hartford HealthCare’s Heart & Vascular Institute. “It’s not just coincidence — there are several factors that come together this time of year to raise risk.”
Here’s why the holidays can be especially hard on the heart, and how to keep yours healthy.
1. Heavy holiday meals
From Thanksgiving dinner to endless cookies, the holidays tend to revolve around food. While those meals can be comforting, they’re also typically heavier, saltier and higher in fat, which can put added strain on your heart.
“Eating a large, high-fat meal can put stress on your heart, especially if you already have risk factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol,” says Dr. Memon. “It can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate and even trigger heartburn or chest discomfort that sometimes mimics a heart attack.”
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite foods — it just means you should pace yourself, watch portions and listen to your body.
> Related: 8 Heart-Healthy Snacks to Keep You Going
2. More alcohol than usual
Holiday gatherings often come with an open bar, signature cocktails or a steady refill of wine — and it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re drinking. Even people who don’t usually drink much may find themselves having more alcohol than usual this time of year.
“Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and trigger abnormal heart rhythms,” says Dr. Memon. “It can also interfere with medications and contribute to dehydration.”
If you do drink, be sure to have a glass of water between beverages, eat beforehand and know your limits.
> Related: 4 Tips for Staying Sober During the Holidays
3. Cold weather stress
When temperatures drop, your heart has to work harder to keep up. Activities like shoveling snow, scraping ice or even walking briskly outside can place unexpected stress on your cardiovascular system, especially if you’re not used to that level of exertion.
“Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, which makes it harder for blood to flow,” Dr. Memon notes. “Combine that with exertion, and it can put you at risk.”
Bundle up, warm up before physical activity, take breaks and don’t ignore symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness.
4. Skipping medications
Between travel, guests, parties and schedule changes, it’s easy for daily routines to slip — including taking medications as prescribed. But even short gaps can matter when it comes to heart health.
“Even a few missed days of blood pressure or heart medications can have an impact,” says Dr. Memon. “Unfortunately, most people don’t realize how quickly things can escalate.”
To stay on top of your medication, be sure to pack any medicine in advance and set reminders.
> Related: How to Eat, Drink, Be Merry AND Healthy During the Holidays
5. Stress and lack of sleep
While the holidays are meant to be joyful, they can also be emotionally and physically draining. Shopping, family dynamics, financial pressure and travel can all pile up, often at the expense of sleep and downtime.
“Emotional stress and poor sleep increase stress hormones like cortisol, which put extra strain on your heart,” says Dr. Memon. “It can also lead to unhealthy coping habits like overeating or extra drinking.”
Protect your heart by prioritizing rest, keeping a consistent sleep schedule and building in time to unwind, even if it’s just a few quiet minutes each day.
> Related: Can These 3 Supplements Really Improve Your Sleep?
Protect your heart this holiday season
Holiday traditions don’t have to come at the expense of your health. A few simple choices can go a long way toward keeping your heart safe while still letting you enjoy the season.
“The combination of big meals, alcohol, stress and cold weather creates a perfect storm for heart attacks,” says Dr. Memon. “It’s common to see people putting off care because of the holidays – but your heart doesn’t take a vacation. We’re here every day, 24/7 to help our patients.”
With a little planning and awareness, you can savor the season and give your heart the gift of protection.