The Holiday Season Brings an Increase in Stroke Risks

12/5/2025

Between hunting for the perfect gift, preparing the house for holiday guests and indulging delectable sweet treats, this time of year is filled with not just joy, but an unexpected rise in health risks.

The stress of the holiday hustle - complicated traveling, last-minute shopping and preparing big meals coupled with the colder weather - can impact your heart and overall well-being, increasing the risk of a stroke. In addition, fewer hours for rest and exercise during the holidays may leave you vulnerable to heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) and clotting disorders—factors that could trigger a stroke which is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.

“During this busy time of year, it’s important to give yourself time to sleep and relax and to be mindful when eating and drinking to reduce your risk of an unexpected visit to the ER,” Dr. Todd Francis, an emergency medicine physician at DeTar Healthcare System, said. “Balance the indulgent treats with healthy choices, make time for physical activity, connect with friends and family, and make sure you know the signs and symptoms of stroke.”

Know the Signs of Stroke – Time Is Critical

Stroke risk increases with age, but it can strike at any time, at any age. In 2022, strokes accounted for approximately one out of every 20 deaths in the United States. On average in 2022, every three minutes and 11 seconds in the United States, someone dies due to a stroke.

Early recognition of the symptoms is key to minimizing damage. Dr. Francis advises everyone to remember the acronym F-A-S-T to recognize the signs of a stroke:

• Face drooping – Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile and see if it’s uneven.
• Arm weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech difficulty – Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• Time to call 9-1-1 – If you observe any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. The quicker you act, the better the chance of reducing long-term effects.

Every second counts during a stroke. The quicker a stroke is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. Dr. Francis stresses that getting to the ER quickly can prevent lasting brain damage and improve the chances of recovery.

“Don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital. Call 9-1-1 so paramedics can begin assessment and communicate with the ER team,” Dr. Francis said.

Karen Evans, R.N., stroke coordinator at DeTar, shared that should a stroke patient require hospital admission, inpatient stroke services at DeTar include “neurology care throughout the patient's stay via our teleneurology partners and our inpatient rehabilitation unit provides physical, occupational and speech therapies, helping stroke patients return home safely and successfully.”

Stroke Statistics: A Serious Risk

Stroke remains the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of long-term disability. However, early intervention can dramatically improve survival rates and reduce long-term disability.

Since 2008, DeTar Healthcare System has been a Primary Stroke Center, designated by The Joint Commission and the Texas Department of State Health Services. DeTar Healthcare System is proud to be recognized as a 2024 recipient of the Get with the Guidelines® - Stroke Award from the American Heart Association, a national honor that reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality stroke care.

Regularly meeting with your primary care physician can reduce your risk of stroke. Through annual screenings and check-ups, primary care physicians can help you make lifestyle changes to help you manage and reduce your stroke risk factors.

“Beyond monitoring key health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, regular visits allow us to screen for other conditions that may increase your stroke risk such as atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) or sleep apnea,” Jessica Heller, family nurse practitioner with DeTar Medical Group, said.

Primary care physicians are crucial for detecting stroke risk factors and implementing preventative care.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones This Holiday Season

As the holidays approach, take steps to reduce your risk of stroke and other health issues. DeTar Healthcare System reminds you to maintain a balanced diet, manage stress, stay active, and get enough sleep. It’s also a great time to review the signs and symptoms of stroke to ensure you’re prepared in case of an emergency.

To find a primary care physician, visit mydetardoctor.com.

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