HEART disease is the last thing on people’s minds at this jolly time of the year. We want to be in a happy and joyful mood surrounded by friends and family, and fun and laughter. Any distractions that may interrupt this mood are most unwelcome.

The unfortunate reality, however, is that for some individuals, chronic illness may exacerbate, and sudden illness may occur. Top on this list is cardiovascular diseases which remain the top causes of death and disability in most countries including Jamaica. Studies have shown that cardiovascular problems occur more frequently during the end of year festivities, peaking in the new year. Hypertension, for example, is a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke. To enter the holidays in good health and stay in good health, it is prudent to keep your blood pressure under control during the holidays.

But we can play a role in keeping heart disease at bay during the holidays. How can we do that? By taking precautionary measures to limit or risk and control our risks.

Don’t eat with your eyes

During the holiday period, most of us will be out of work and exposed to a lot more food and beverages than usual. We are also likely to exercise less. It is okay to party and have fun but be mindful of what goes into your mouth, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart failure. A good habit to help you along is to have a heart healthy meal at home before stepping out so you would be less likely to overindulge. A vegetable tray is almost always a good idea but be cautious about the dip that may come with it, which often is not as healthy as the vegetables they are served with.

Watch the sodium

Cardiologists are familiar with rising cases of acute heart failures presenting as emergencies at this time of the year. Sodium is the culprit in many of these cases often resulting from dietary indiscretion this time of the year. Surrounded by families and friends with fun times rolling, it is not unusual for patients with weak hearts and heart failure to indulge in meals with high sodium content. This is often compounded by poor compliance with medications at this time of the year.

Limiting sodium intake is very critical but can be quite challenging this time of year. Excess sodium in your bloodstream results in increased water retention in your blood vessels, leading to a rise in blood pressure or hypertension. While many individuals tend to focus on table salt, the reality is that most sodium in the typical urban diet is derived from processed foods. Anything that is canned or processed (and this includes different types of hams) is likely very rich in sodium and should be avoided especially by individuals with known medical history of high blood pressure or heart failure.

Dietary guidelines in the US recommend that adults consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day while the American Heart Association recommends an ideal maximum of 1,500 milligrams a day for most adults. The body has an incredible ability to adapt and so the less salt you use, the less salt you would crave for resulting in an overall healthier you. Keep this in mind while you enjoy the holidays.

Do not drink to be merry

Alcohol is a culprit in raising blood pressure and can also lead to fluid overload in individuals with weak hearts or heart failure. Heavy alcohol intake can raise your blood pressure. In most countries, dietary guidelines allow for moderate drinking (two drinks or less in a day for men, and one or less for women), but paying attention to what’s in your holiday cocktail is a wise idea. Not all cocktails are created equally. Margaritas, for example, are served in salt-rimmed glasses. Watch those.

Lower your stress level

The holidays can be fun but for some people, it brings a lot of stress. The pressure to achieve a perfect holiday can lead to unwarranted pressure. Stress-related hormones have been linked to increased risk for depression, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Increased stress is also associated with immuno-suppression and increased susceptibility to several illnesses. Stress can also lead to excess alcohol intake, overeating and drug use which can all be detrimental to your health. It’s important to dial down the pressure to control your stress level and increase your chill factor. Consider massage therapy, yoga, long walks, visits to nature parks or art shows or simply rest.

What about medications?

While over-the-counter medications are generally safe, there are some pointers that are worth noting. Many commonly used decongestants can elevate your blood pressure. Be sure to look at the warning labels and when in doubt, speak to your doctor or health-care provider for guidance.

As previously noted, compliance with routine medications may pose a problem to some individuals at this time of the year. We recommend proactive efforts to set reminders and trackers to assist you in remembering to take your medications. This can keep you away from an unplanned trip to the hospital emergency room. Now you know some simple measures to take to protect your heart health during this holiday. What if you have a heart-related emergency despite all these precautions.

Your health insurance card is neither your credit card nor debit card

Many individuals with health insurance are under the false impression that they are covered in cases of heart-related emergencies. This is far from reality. In almost all cases, insurance pre-authorisation cannot be obtained in a timely manner when emergency situations require immediate intervention as in heart attack cases. In most instances, your insurance company may insist on a five–seven day window for pre-authorisation which may be detrimental to your care if this is your only source of financing for care and most likely, they would be unavailable to respond during the holiday period. In these situations, unless there is an alternative way of financing emergency treatment, care may be unduly delayed with potentially adverse consequences. It is advisable therefore to have contingency plans for emergency situations irrespective of your health insurance coverage. This is particularly important for family members and friends visiting from overseas as the health system in Jamaica is structured differently from those in the USA and UK ,for example, when it comes to emergency care services.

What to do in heart-related emergencies

Forward planning is always an advantage in dealing with heart related emergencies especially for those individuals with prior history or higher risk for heart disease. It is wise to have a good understanding of the resources available for emergency heart care in your area including knowing which ambulance services are available and how to access them and most importantly knowing which hospitals have the required infrastructure and medical personnel to handle emergency heart conditions. The telephone number and address of these services and facilities should be readily accessible to everyone in the household.

If all fails, DO NOT PANIC. The heart team at the Heart Institute of the Caribbean Heart Hospital is open 24/7 during the holiday period with medical officers on duty at the hospital 24/7, and we have waived emergency room doctors charges until December 31, 2022, to ensure that our citizens are better protected and can enjoy their holidays without worry. This is our Christmas gift to Jamaicans. The call number is 876-906-2106.

HIC Heart Hospital Emergency Room is open for all heart-related emergencies, 24/7 during this holiday period. Merry Christmas and stay safe.

Dr Ernest Madu, MD, FACC and Dr Paul Edwards, MD, FACC are consultant cardiologists for Heart Institute of the Caribbean (HIC) and HIC Heart Hospital. HIC is the regional centre of excellence for cardiovascular care in the English-speaking Caribbean and has pioneered a transformation in the way cardiovascular care is delivered in the region. HIC Heart Hospital is registered by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and is the only heart hospital in Jamaica. Correspondence to info@caribbeanheart.com or call 876-906-2107