It's a phenonmenon called the "holiday effect." Researchers of the study looked at both people with and without cardiac risk factors. They say one of the main contributing factors is that people do not seek medical attention during the holidays.
Doctors at Ingham Regional Medical Center say other factors could be people forgetting to pack their medications when they travel; people exerting themselves while shovelling snow; and people just trying to do too much during the season.
Doctors urge people to not ignore symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness or pain radiating from the left arm or neck and indigestion. Do not put off seeking medical care even if it means leaving your family gathering.
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