Why Healthy People Have Heart Attacks

[Tragedeigh]

 

[Tragedeigh]

At around 3/4 part of this video, it says when doing HIIT workout, if my heart rate hits a very high heart rate (for me usually about 195bpm), and if the heart beat rhythm messes up causing AF, will also kana a sudden heart attack

 

[Tragedeigh]

The video also talks about soft plagues.

AI says:

Soft plaques, also known as vulnerable or non-calcified plaques, are dangerous, fatty, and inflammatory buildups in artery walls that are highly prone to rupturing. Unlike hard (calcified) plaque, soft plaque can suddenly tear, leading to blood clots that cause heart attacks, strokes, or, in severe cases, death.

Key Details About Soft Plaques:

• Composition: These plaques are primarily composed of cholesterol, fat, and inflammatory cells, featuring a thin, weak fibrous cap.
• Why They Are Dangerous: They are often called "hidden" because they may not significantly narrow the artery, yet they pose the highest risk of rupture, leading to acute cardiovascular events.
• Detection: Standard stress tests may miss them. A Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) scan, which is a non-invasive, contrast-enhanced CT scan is the most effective method to identify these high-risk, non-calcified plaques.
• Risk Factors: High levels of small, dense LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and smoking contribute to their formation.
• Treatment & Prevention: Management typically involves aggressive lifestyle changes and medications. Statins are used to stabilize these plaques, often converting them into harder, more stable plaque. Other treatments may include Ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, and blood thinners.
  Harvard Health.

 

[Dongyi]

So the point is? Absolve vaccination?

 

[Tragedeigh]

Why Heart Attacks Spike During the Holidays​

Elena Brovko/iStock; iStock

By Don Rauf and Jessica Freeborn
Updated on November 24, 2025

Medically Reviewed by Chung Yoon, MD

www.everydayhealth.com

The holidays are supposed to be a time of good cheer, but winter festivities may also bring an increase in cardiovascular risks. More people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year.

Multiple factors may contribute to this spike in heart attacks during the holidays, such as the increased stress that occurs this time of year, overindulgence in alcohol and rich foods, and even cold weather exposure.

People also tend to delay treatment for heart health symptoms over the holidays, potentially leading to worse outcomes. If you’re already at risk of heart problems, you shouldn’t let Christmas or the other winter holidays throw you too far off your healthy living game plan.

The Holiday Factors That Raise Heart Attack Risks​

There are probably many different reasons why heart attacks spike over the holidays. It’s a time of year when many of us abandon our healthy habits, drink more heavily, and willingly overindulge in rich foods. At the same time, you may encounter extra stress from traveling, stretching your budget, or spending time with extended family.

Too Much Alcohol​

Alcohol is one of the major contributors to holiday heart attack risk. Booze sales spike at the end of the year, and binge drinking is common even among people who otherwise don’t drink heavily, especially on New Year’s Eve.

All this excessive drinking can increase your heart attack risk. Excessive alcohol intake may contribute to inflammation and dyslipidemia, making coronary artery disease worse. Repeated episodes of binge drinking may contribute to inflammation, stiffness of the arteries, and increased blood pressure, thereby increasing heart attack risk.
Additionally, it’s possible that drinking may act as a heart attack trigger. Basically, it’s not a good idea to use the holidays as an excuse to add to alcohol consumption.

“We used to think that a drink or two a day may be heart healthy. That thinking was probably wrong. Newer data appears to support that alcohol intake at any level over time increases your heart risk,” says Robert Ostfeld, MD, director of preventive cardiology at Montefiore Einstein.

The American Heart Association says that if you don’t drink, you should not start.

Rich, Salty Food​

From cheese and charcuterie boards to salty and buttery side dishes to fudge and other desserts, the holidays are full of treats. It’s a time of feasting, which unfortunately, isn’t the best for your heart.

Of course, you’re already aware that these foods are bad for your long-term health. Dr. Ostfeld says that “eating more processed meats, ‘junk foods,’ and treats, and fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains,” sets you up for heart trouble, increasing your risk of heart attack.

But it’s possible that even just one huge meal can trigger a cardiac event, if you’re already at risk. Heart health emergencies often happen within an hour of a heavy meal, and a single high-fat meal causes cardiovascular health changes within just a few hours, spiking inflammation and destabilizing fatty plaque deposits.

This doesn’t mean you need to totally deprive yourself over the holidays. It just means you also need to exercise self-control and be strategic about what you choose to indulge in.

High Stress and Disrupted Routines​

There’s no doubt about it, the holidays can be stressful. You might experience stress from dealing with family drama, or maybe you’re feeling the pressure of having to cook dinner for 15 visiting relatives.

Emotional distress and higher stress levels may contribute to the higher levels of heart attacks that happen during the holidays. Stress and worry can both act as possible heart attack triggers, particularly for women.

Additionally, the holidays are not exactly a time when things are normal and allow you to follow the habits you may follow the rest of the year.

Consistent healthy habits are a key component of reducing heart attack risk and it makes sense how these healthy habits might fall by the wayside during the holidays. For example, you might not be getting enough sleep or staying on top of daily needs for physical activity. For another thing, Ostfeld says that “people may forget to bring their prescription medications or sleep apnea devices with them when they travel, potentially increasing their heart risk.”

Seasonal Risks​

Another element that increases the possibility of heart troubles is cold weather, which can lead to the arteries narrowing and blood not flowing as well as it would in warmer weather. When the body is exposed to cold, blood pressure, heart rate, and red blood cell concentration can increase. These can then add to the chances of experiencing a heart attack.

Additionally, outdoor exercise (like shoveling snow) may add to how much work the heart has to do, further adding to risk.
Seasonal illnesses can also play a role in heart health risks. The flu, COVID-19, and RSV are all believed to increase heart attack risk. Viral infections encourage inflammation and blood clotting in the body, which then makes it harder for the heart to do its job and can encourage plaque formation in the arteries.

Alcohol and Holiday Heart Syndrome​

Heavy drinking doesn’t just raise heart attack risks, it is also the cause of a specific condition known as holiday heart syndrome.

Holiday heart syndrome occurs when binge drinking causes abnormal heart rhythms, most commonly atrial fibrillation.

“Holiday heart syndrome can come on out of the blue and feel like your heart is racing or skipping beats,” says Ostfeld. It often occurs “in otherwise healthy people after episodes of heavy drinking.”

While holiday heart syndrome generally gets better without medical treatment, the symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from more serious cardiovascular events. If you experience heart palpitations that won’t stop or other symptoms like chest pain, it’s critical to seek emergency medical treatment.

Ostfield says it’s a good idea to keep the alcohol consumption light, even during times of celebration. “If responsibly having one or two drinks may bring some holiday cheer, that is probably okay,” he says.

Don’t Ignore Symptoms, and Stay in Tune With How You Feel​

People may dismiss symptoms or put off addressing them because it’s a busy time of year, according to American Heart Association volunteer Fatima Rodriguez, MD, an associate professor in cardiovascular medicine with Stanford Health Care in California. Although no one wants to spend time in a doctor’s office or hospital during the holidays, prompt medical intervention for heart attacks can save lives.
Seeking treatment immediately for a heart attack improves the chances of survival and can decrease the amount of heart damage that occurs. Outcomes can sometimes be worse for people who are treated for heart attacks during off-hours and holidays, including an increased risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiovascular event following heart attack treatment.

It’s also possible that it may take longer to receive treatment during off-hours. As such, it’s critical to not delay treatment further on your end.

With holiday heart syndrome, palpitations (a feeling that your heart is fluttering) is the most common symptom. The atrial fibrillation from holiday heart syndrome typically resolves on its own. Treatment can include the possible prevention of stroke, making sure there aren’t other heart problems occurring, and addressing alcohol-related symptoms.

If you feel pain or discomfort, it can be difficult to know the cause or seriousness of your symptoms. Symptoms of a heart attack attack include:

• Discomfort in the chest or other areas of the upper body, such as the arms, stomach, shoulders, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Breaking out in a cold sweat, lightheadedness, or feelings of nausea

The signs of a heart attack in women tend to be more subtle, and they often lack the dramatic heart-clutching pain you might expect. To make things more confusing, it’s also possible to mistake signs of heart attack for heartburn.

If you already have heart disease, it might be wise to ask your doctor now what sort of symptoms should prompt a call for assistance, and which symptoms demand a quick trip to the emergency room.

Heart-Healthy Tips for the Holidays​

The American Heart Association offers a few suggestions to help keep heart trouble away at the holidays:

• Stay active. It’s easy to see how exercise can fall by the wayside during the holidays. “You might consider starting a tradition of taking a walk before or after a big meal,” says Dr. Rodriguez, who adds that there are many ways to get some exercise with family and friends.
• Don’t forget your medications. Taking your prescribed medications is part of decreasing your chances of having a heart attack: “Remember to take your medications every day, just as you would, and continue to prioritize healthful habits just as you have during the year,” says Rodriguez.
• Celebrate in moderation. While it’s okay to indulge in treats and drink to some extent, don’t overdo it. For example, opt for smaller portions of foods that are high in salt and saturated fat, or consider bringing a healthy dish to a gathering to help ensure that a healthy option is available.
• Take time for yourself. Be sure to make room in a busy holiday schedule to do the activities that help you de-stress. “Be mindful and take care of your mental health,” says Rodriguez. “Maybe take a few minutes to wake up a little bit early and take some time for yourself.”

The Takeaway​

• The holiday season can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, due to factors like stress, dietary indulgence, alcohol consumption, and cold weather exposure.
• Alcohol consumption should be kept moderate, as binge drinking during the holidays can lead to holiday heart syndrome or even increase heart attack risk in vulnerable individuals.
• It’s important to recognize and promptly respond to heart attack symptoms, such as chest discomfort or shortness of breath, as delaying treatment can worsen outcomes.
• Maintaining heart-healthy habits like regular exercise, taking medications diligently, and managing stress can help lower the increased heart attack risks during holiday festivities.

Resources We Trust​

• Cleveland Clinic: Cardiac Risk Calculator
• Mass Brigham General: Heart Health in Winter
• American Heart Association: Understand Your Risks to Prevent a Heart Attack
• Johns Hopkins Medicine: Alcohol and Heart Health: Separating Fact from Fiction
• Tufts Medicine: Eight Tips for a Healthy Holiday Eating

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Chung Yoon, MD​

Medical Reviewer​

Chung Yoon, MD, is a noninvasive cardiologist with a passion for diagnosis, prevention, intervention, and treatment of a wide range of heart and cardiovascular disorders. He enjoys clinical decision-making and providing patient care in both hospital and outpatient settings. He excels at analytical and decision-making skills and building connection and trust with patients and their families.

Don Rauf​

Author​

Don Rauf has been a freelance health writer for over 12 years and his writing has been featured in HealthDay, CBS News, WebMD, U.S. News & World Report, Mental Floss, United Press International (UPI), Health, and MedicineNet. He was previously a reporter for DailyRx.com where he covered stories related to cardiology, diabetes, lung cancer, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, menopause, and allergies. He has interviewed doctors and pharmaceutical representatives in the U.S. and abroad.

He is a prolific writer and has written more than 50 books, including Lost America: Vanished Civilizations, Abandoned Towns, and Roadside Attractions. Rauf lives in Seattle, Washington.

Jessica Freeborn​

Author​

Jessica Freeborn has worked as a health and wellness freelance writer since 2021. She is passionate about encouraging people to take control of their health and stay informed about the latest medical advancements. She has two nursing degrees and has used her healthcare experience to enhance her writing and research.

As someone with type 1 diabetes, she understands the complexities surrounding diabetes management and wants to provide people with accurate information and dispel misconceptions about diabetes treatment.

 

[Tragedeigh]

So the point is? Absolve vaccination?

I am trying to get a clearer picture without the dangerous Covid vax in the equation.

I also know that the Covid vax is dangerous and can cause soft plagues to burst and then the body reacts to the burst and cause sudden death.

Interestingly, @sbfuncle is also somewhat correct about his "walk, don't run" theory. High or super high heart rate during exercise might cause soft plague burst too in addition to the risk of heart rhythm mess up....

 

[True Believer]

I lost 2 friends during the past 2 years from cardiac arrest. One was in hospital for a routine health screening when he had a cardiac arrest; the staff onsite weren't able to save him. The other was given a clean bill of health after his latest medical appt, but had a heart attack at home less than a week later.

 

[Tragedeigh]

Smokers @sbfuncle @rocket @glockman @Sustanon

Smoking can cause faster formation of the unstable soft plague in your arteries. Dont smoke so much...do cut down. Not asking yall to quit, cause that's probably pretty hard after many years of habitual smoking...

 

[True Believer]

Smokers @sbfuncle @rocket @glockman @Sustanon
Smoking can cause faster formation of the unstable soft plague in your arteries. Dont smoke so much...do cut down. Not asking yall to quit, cause that's probably pretty hard after many years of habitual smoking...

Smokers like to point to friends who are smoking well into their 60s and 70s without consequences. However, I know of many relatively young smokers who have lung cancer. My neighbour who smoked 2 packs per day, died from a heart attack at age 65 even though he works out at the gym 5 days a week.

 

[Leongsam]

We are all going to die. The best way is to have a heart attack.

I've lost friends to dementia, cancer, Huntingtons, Parkinsons and heart attacks and I can assure you the best way to die is if your heart suddenly stops working. It's quick, the pain is short lived and the emotional trauma of a slow death is avoided.

Have a fatal heart attack. You'll be thankful you did.

 

[Tragedeigh]

We are all going to die. The best way is to have a heart attack.

I've lost friends to dementia, cancer, Huntingtons, Parkinsons and heart attacks and I can assure you the best way to die is if your heart suddenly stops working. It's quick, the pain is short lived and the emotional trauma of a slow death is avoided.

Have a fatal heart attack. You'll be thankful you did.

Honestly, I think that's ironically true. Less pain and suffering for ownself and almost zero burden financially and emotionally for those who love and care for you.

 

[Tragedeigh]

Collateral Circulation
Did you know that your heart can grow new blood vessels that can help bypass blockages.

Endurance exercises are important to grow new collateral circulation for your heart

 

[Leongsam]

Honestly, I think that's ironically true. Less pain and suffering for ownself and almost zero burden financially and emotionally for those who love and care for you.

We are all guilty of trying to stay alive when nature tells us otherwise and the greedy health industry takes advantage of this fact to rake in TRILLIONS annually. They claim to have the tools to extend life but in the vast majority of cases all they're doing is extending the suffering for everyone and the grim reaper still wins after a short reprieve.

 

[True Believer]

Honestly, I think that's ironically true. Less pain and suffering for ownself and almost zero burden financially and emotionally for those who love and care for you.

We need to get our affairs in order before we have a sudden death. If not, we won't get to say goodbye to our loved ones.

 

[laksaboy]

We are all going to die. The best way is to have a heart attack.

I've lost friends to dementia, cancer, Huntingtons, Parkinsons and heart attacks and I can assure you the best way to die is if your heart suddenly stops working. It's quick, the pain is short lived and the emotional trauma of a slow death is avoided.

Have a fatal heart attack. You'll be thankful you did.

The best death is to live to a ripe old age, very healthy, die peacefully in your sleep with no regrets.

If you're lucky you will get a reminder in advance from the other side, so you can make your final preparations.

Death is like graduation or going back home after a long holiday. You go back to where you came from. Enjoy the ride while you're still alive.

 

[laksaboy]

Near death experiences.

 

[Tragedeigh]

Why Some People Exercise Hard Despite Plaque Buildup

Ever wonder how some people with coronary artery disease can still exercise intensely without symptoms? It's all about collateral circulation your body's backup system!

What Are Collaterals?

Collaterals are arteries from different sources that supply blood to the same area. If the main blood supply gets blocked, collaterals can take up the slack!

The Body Adapts

Here's the cool part: When plaques develop in your coronary arteries, your heart grows NEW collaterals!

If a plaque blocks this artery, a nearby vessel can create more blood vessels to compensate and supply that area with enough blood.

What Gets Grown?

Not large arteries-you grow:

Arterioles (tiny arteries)
Capillaries (even smaller!)

These small vessels make a huge difference in blood flow and make people more resilient to heart attacks!

The Takeaway:

Your body constantly adapts!

Collateral circulation develops as a natural backup system, potentially preventing or reducing heart attack damage.

 

[Tragedeigh]

AI on Smoking & Soft plague formation in the arteries

Smoking plays a significant role in the development of "soft," vulnerable, or unstable plaques (atherosclerosis) in the arteries through several mechanisms involving collagen degradation, inflammation, and increased vascular reactivity.

Mechanism of Soft Plaque Formation Due to Smoking:

• Collagen Degradation & Reduced Synthesis: Smoking decreases collagen production and accelerates its breakdown, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the artery wall. Smokers have lower levels of collagen in their arterial walls, leading to thinner, more fragile, and "soft" or unstable plaques that are more prone to rupture.
• Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Cigarette smoke induces chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. This environment causes damage to the endothelial lining of the arteries, encouraging the buildup of plaque.
• Increased Platelet Stickiness: Smoking increases the adhesion and aggregation of platelets (making them "sticky"), which speeds up the formation of clots (thrombosis) and adds to the vulnerability of existing plaques.
• Reduced Collagen in Plaque: Studies indicate that smoking is associated with lower amounts of collagen in the atherosclerotic arterial wall, which is consistent with the formation of thin-capped, unstable (soft) plaques.
• Impaired Repair Mechanisms: The toxic components of cigarette smoke (nicotine, carbon monoxide, etc.) impair the body's ability to repair tissue, further weakening the arterial structure.
  

Summary of Effects:

The combination of reduced structural collagen, increased inflammation, and sticky platelets means that smokers are more likely to develop unstable, soft, and ruptured plaques rather than stable, hard, or calcified ones. This accelerates the progression of atherosclerosis and increases the risk of acute cardiovascular events.

 

[Leongsam]

The best death is to live to a ripe old age, very healthy, die peacefully in your sleep with no regrets.

If you're lucky you will get a reminder in advance from the other side, so you can make your final preparations.

Death is like graduation or going back home after a long holiday. You go back to where you came from. Enjoy the ride while you're still alive.

In order to die in your sleep you have to have either a massive heart attack or a stroke severe enough to kill you.

 

[Tragedeigh]

Lung cancer aside (which is probably whether one is genetically more susceptible or not), smoking is more related to the ease of soft plagues formation causing cardiovascular events.