Perfect gifts, perfect Christmas menu, perfect Christmas tree and perfect decoration. Especially women put themselves under great pressure during the festive season. The result: overload for the heart and too much stress. High blood pressure and, in the worst case, even a silent heart attack can be the result, warns Dr. Karla Kurrelmeyer of the Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center in Houston.
Christmas stress with serious consequences
Unlike a “normal” heart attack, the symptoms of a silent heart attack are somewhat different and therefore often not noticed early enough: “People who have had a heart attack often have chest pain, shortness of breath, or similar symptoms.” says Kurrelmeyer. A silent heart attack may present with very simple symptoms such as stomach upset, flu-like symptoms, or an uncomfortable feeling like muscle tension in the chest or upper back.
Another danger of the Christmas season is that high stress triggers heart muscle dysfunction. Also known as Broken Heart Syndrome, this disease, especially seen in older women, causes the left ventricle to not work properly due to stress. The symptoms are very similar to a heart attack. Therefore, it is important to clarify such signs as quickly as possible, the cardiologist advises.
7 tips against Christmas stress
- Receive only one gift per person.
- Make an accurate list of all gifts.
- Dividing chores within the family.
- Eating out more often: It puts you in a good mood and relaxes you.
- Lower the expectations of a perfectly organized and smooth running Christmas party.
- Agree on the course of the Christmas festival and minimize commitments.
- Take a half day off before Christmas.
Shutting down is worth it
To avoid heart palpitations and Christmas stress, Kurrelmeyer says, so it’s good to take time for yourself and do things that reduce stress during the holidays. “Walk or jog, yoga, meditation, a nice walk with a loved one—do whatever it is,” says the cardiologist.
Then nothing can stand in the way of happy holidays – and it will never be perfect anyway! (aponet)