Winter: Heart Attack Season?

Winter is heart attack season — more heart attacks occur during winter than at any other time of year. "During the winter months we tend to see more patients with heart disease in the emergency department." says Peter Valko, M.D., medical director of Emergency Services for Ocean Medical Center. Beyond cold weather, researchers suspect the following factors:

• Flu and other infections make the body vulnerable.
• Snow shoveling is a tremendous physical strain.
• The holiday season can cause emotional stress and be an excuse to overindulge.

To reduce your risk:

• Maintain heart-healthy habits. A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and not smoking are key.
• Ask your doctor about the flu shot.
• Be careful outdoors. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, check with your doctor about outdoor physical activities.
• Know the heart attack warning signs: chest pain, dizziness, fainting, sweating, or nausea; or shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.