The Most Dangerous Time of Year for Heart Health

The week between Christmas and New Year’s isn’t just busy—it’s statistically the most dangerous time of year for your heart, and in this video I explain why. In this video, I break down why heart attacks, arrhythmias, heart failure admissions, and sudden cardiac deaths reliably spike during the winter holidays. We walk through what’s happening inside the body when cold exposure, heavy meals, alcohol, emotional stress, poor sleep, and disrupted routines collide with underlying cardiovascular vulnerability. I explain how blood pressure, platelets, blood viscosity, autonomic tone, and even mitochondrial stress all converge to create a perfect storm—and why this risk extends far beyond “just winter weather.” We also talk about what actually helps: which medications are truly non-negotiable during the holidays, why skipping doses is especially dangerous this time of year, how supplements and wearables should (and should not) be used, and the practical steps that can reduce risk without turning the season into something to fear. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Why the holidays are the most dangerous time of year for the heart 02:30 – Cold, food, alcohol, and stress: the cardiovascular stress stack 05:30 – Holiday heart syndrome, arrhythmias, and clot risk 11:30 – Medication adherence and why skipping doses matters more now 18:30 – Practical strategies to reduce risk and recognize red flags