For those who have already had a heart attack, the heightened risk during the holidays is particularly dangerous. That’s because about one in five heart attack survivors age 45 and older will have another heart attack within five years.
Being with family during the holidays is a good time for patients to talk about their health history — not just heart attacks, but also high blood pressure and high cholesterol, experts say.
“We can dramatically lower the risk of cardiovascular events with lifestyle changes, but don’t ignore your family history,” Osborne said. “Genetics can catch up to you, even if you’re doing all the right stuff.”
Heart disease can be prevented in many cases through lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, controlling cholesterol and blood pressure and not smoking, but “making lifestyle changes can be difficult,” Osborne said.
“I admit to my patients that I don’t love to exercise, but I really feel great having exercised,” he said. “Getting that motivation can be painful, but it’s fantastic when you get to the other side.”
Osborne said tools such as mobile apps can provide education and electronic reminders to help people stay focused on heart health.
“I have a very brief period with patients,” he said. “Tools like apps can encourage good health behaviors, being that gentle in-your-face technology.”
