Holidays can be a stressful time. Family from all over the country arrives, each with their own needs, desires, wants, quirks and annoyances. That makes me wonder if these higher cortisol levels lead to a higher incidence of heart attacks during the holiday season. I know I've read in the past that some patients are more prone to heart failure decompensation during the holidays. Perhaps this is due to dietary indiscretions. I've also heard the stress of experiencing holidays with lost loved ones can be a heart attack inducing experience.
And then there's the shopping. Shopping can be stressful. In fact, I've taken the liberty to define holiday stress defined in EKG form. Looks stressful enough to cause an ST elevation MI! As you can see, there is a small stress peak during the Thanksgiving shopping rush. Over the next month, holiday stress peaks right around Christmas and rapidly tapers off into the stress free New Years Eve zone! Any questions? Make sure to take a peak at all my EKGs.
And then there's the shopping. Shopping can be stressful. In fact, I've taken the liberty to define holiday stress defined in EKG form. Looks stressful enough to cause an ST elevation MI! As you can see, there is a small stress peak during the Thanksgiving shopping rush. Over the next month, holiday stress peaks right around Christmas and rapidly tapers off into the stress free New Years Eve zone! Any questions? Make sure to take a peak at all my EKGs.
