Get These Heart Screenings Before the Holidays

The holidays bring joy to the heart — but they can also pose risks. Research shows that heart attack rates increase on Christmas and New Year’s, while deaths from coronary artery disease are higher in December and January. It’s known as the “Christmas holiday effect,” and it’s why heart health screenings belong on your to-do list.

“Sometimes a cascade of events can cause things to happen, especially in those who are already at risk,” says cardiologist Brett A. Sealove, M.D., chair of cardiology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Blame overindulgent meals, excessive drinking, emotional stress and delays in seeking care.

Here, Dr. Sealove shares details about options to consider, including the most innovative options available today.

Why Heart Attacks Peak During the Holidays

Here’s more detail from Dr. Sealove about why the holidays can be hard on the heart:

• Eating and/or drinking too much: Meals full of salty and high-fat foods can increase the heart’s workload. And drinking too much alcohol may trigger irregular heartbeats — known as holiday heart syndrome — as well as poor-quality sleep.
• Overdoing it: If you’re out of shape, shoveling snow can put strain on your heart. That could prove dangerous if you have undiagnosed cardiovascular risks.
• Stress: The stress of family interactions or feeling lonely may also take a toll. Research has linked acute anger (including arguments with family members), anxiety and sadness to a higher risk of heart attack in the hours after experiencing the emotion.
• Missed medications: Disrupted routines can lead people to miss taking important medications.
• Embarrassment: Even when symptoms like shortness of breath crop up, people might delay an ER visit to avoid “ruining” the holiday for the family.

Heart Screenings to Consider Before the Holidays

Dr. Sealove urges people with underlying risks for heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, elevated cholesterol, inactivity, smoking or a family history of heart disease to have regular conversations with their doctor about heart health tests and protective measures.

With that in mind, even if you have no known risks (but maybe want peace of mind), consider a heart health screening. Here are three of the most common options. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered or if a prescription is required.

CT Calcium Scoring Scan

This noninvasive imaging test takes only about 10 minutes, yet it gives doctors a very helpful view into your risk for heart attack or stroke. The scan detects calcified plaque — also known as hardening of the arteries — and gives a numerical score; the more plaque there is, the higher the score. That makes it easy to understand and track over time.

AngioScreen

An AngioScreen (a procedure currently exclusive to HMH in New Jersey) bundles a few tests into a single visit, usually taking around 15 minutes. The carotid ultrasound checks for blockages in neck arteries that could increase your risk for heart attack or stroke. A modified electrocardiogram (EKG) assesses your heart rhythm. The screening also checks for blockages in the leg arteries along with pulse, blood pressure and body mass index. This is often an out-of-pocket expense not covered by health insurance, though it may be FSA or HSA eligible. Hackensack Meridian Health offers a $49.95 package rate (view the list of upcoming locations and times).

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

This quick test shows how fast or slow your heart is beating and monitors your heart’s electrical activity. It may be part of a routine checkup (though insurance may not cover it if it’s not medically necessary). It can be performed in a doctor’s office, an urgent care clinic or an ER to help evaluate heart palpitations or other symptoms.

Heart Health Tests for Higher-Risk Patients

When a patient has had heart failure or testing shows an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), a cardiologist may order advanced tests to better understand what’s going on. Using the most sophisticated tools can lead to a more precise diagnosis and quicker treatment decisions — and sometimes can help people avoid trouble during times when they might otherwise be at high risk, like the holidays.

High-tech tests offered at Hackensack Meridian Health include:

• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, a specialized MRI that provides detailed images of the heart and vascular system
• CT angiography with HeartFlow® FFRCT Analysis, which uses advanced CT imaging and AI to create a 3D model of a patient’s coronary arteries and simulate blood flow to determine whether blockages are limiting circulation

It’s not a screening, but patients at Hackensack Meridian Health also have access to next-generation procedures such as Pulse SelectTM PFA (pulsed field ablation), which uses high-voltage pulses to eliminate heart tissue that causes atrial fibrillation (a type of arrhythmia). “We have many tools to treat electrical heart rhythm disturbances,” says Dr. Sealove.

How Heart Screening Saves Lives

“The majority of people in the United States don’t know that they’re sitting on heart disease, the No. 1 killer in the [U.S.], and screenings are a great opportunity to get checked out,” says Dr. Sealove. “It’s a chance to address something before it addresses you.”

Tests that identify hardening of the arteries, abnormal heart rhythms or early signs of heart trouble can help doctors recommend steps to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. And advanced cardiac imaging for higher-risk patients can spot cardiovascular issues earlier than standard kinds, leading to more-precise measures of risk and more-tailored treatment plans.

And if there’s an issue? Hackensack Meridian Health has locations throughout New Jersey, so problems detected during a screening can be addressed right away.

How to Maintain Heart Health During the Holidays

While it’s important to know the classic signs of a heart attack, they can vary from person to person. When you’re feeling something that is concerning you or something that your body’s never felt before, Dr. Sealove says, get help right away.

It’s easy to find a top cardiologist in New Jersey,along with heart health screenings that are nearby with evening and weekend appointments. You can also spread some love by mentioning your heart-smart moves at a holiday meal, suggests Dr. Sealove: You might inspire a loved one to take better care of themselves.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Brett Sealove, M.D.
• Make an appointment online with a doctor near you, or call 800-822-8905.
• Learn more about heart care at Hackensack Meridian Health, home to the best Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery program in NJ from U.S. News & World Report (2025–2026) and a Top 10 program in the NY–NJ Metro Area.