Austin’s holiday season brings spike in heart attack deaths

AUSTIN, Dec. 30, 2025 — The winter holidays can turn deadly as research shows that more people in Austin die from heart attacks during the end of December than at any other time of the year. While being aware of the signs of a heart attack and taking steps to reduce your risk are important all year long, the American Heart Association-Austin says that’s especially critical heading into the new year. 

"The holidays are joyful, but they can also strain the body – less rest, more stress and richer foods can increase heart risk,” said Caitlin Giesler, MD, founder of the Heart Center for Women. “Be kind to yourself: take breaks to walk, add colorful fruits and vegetables to your plate and get the sleep you need.”  

Cardiac arrests can happen anytime, anywhere, especially during the holiday season. Know the signs and give the gift of life if you see someone experiencing a cardiac event. Begin Hands-Only CPR by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest and call 911 right away. CPR, if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. 

“Hands-Only CPR is something nearly everyone can learn and do. We encourage at least one person in every family to learn CPR because statistics show that over 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the home,” said Kelsey Williams, sr. community impact director with Heart Association - Austin. “The life you could save is most likely someone you love.” 

Williams notes that family gatherings are also a good time to talk about family health history 

“Many of the health factors that impact heart disease and stroke are risk factors we can’t control,” she said. “If any of your parents, siblings or grandparents have had a heart attack or stroke, you are likely at higher risk, too. But the good news is, you can lower your risks with preventive measures. Knowing that history is an important first step.” 

Follow these heart-healthy tips for the new year: 

• Know symptoms and take action: Heart attack signs and stroke symptoms vary in men and women and it’s important to recognize them early and call 9-1-1 for help. The sooner medical treatment begins, the better the chances of survival and preventing heart damage.  

• Celebrate in moderation Eating healthfully during the holidays doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself, there are still ways to eat smart. Look for small, healthy changes and swaps you can make so you continue to feel your best while eating and drinking in moderation, and don’t forget to watch your salt intake. 

• Plan for peace on earth and goodwill toward yourself: Make time to take care of yourself during the busy holiday. Reduce stress from family interactions, strained finances, hectic schedules and other stressors prevalent this time of year, including traveling.  

• Keep moving: The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week and this number usually drops during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Get creative with ways to stay active, even if it’s going for a family walk or another fun activity you can do with your loved ones.    

• Stick to your meds: Busy holidays can cause you to skip medications, forgetting them when away from home or not getting refills in a timely manner. The American Heart Association has a medication chart to help stay on top of it and be sure to keep tabs on your blood pressure numbers.  

The American Heart Association has more on ways to live heart-healthy during the holidays and all year long at heart.org. 

Additional Resources: 

• American Heart Association health resources: Heart attack warning-signs infographic  

• American Heart Association health resources: Stress Management infographic  

• American Heart Association health resources: Season's Healing: 5 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress | American Heart Association 

• American Heart Association health resources: Holiday Stress? Try Our Top 5 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season 

• American Heart Association health resources: 5 Tips to Host a Heart-Healthy Holiday Party | American Heart Association 

• American Heart Association news release: Make a list, check it twice with these heart-healthy holiday travel hacks 

• American Heart Association health resources: Join the Nation of Lifesavers 

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About the American Heart Association  

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Instagram, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries:  

Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org 

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 

heart.org and stroke.org