Thanksgiving Meals May Trigger Heart Failure Symptoms, Warns Cardiologist

Post by : Saif Nasser

Thanksgiving is a time when families gather, enjoy big meals, and celebrate. But health experts warn that the holiday season can also bring a surprising rise in heart failure cases. Cardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov says that soon after Thanksgiving, he often meets patients who suddenly begin to feel unwell, even though nothing major seemed to happen. The heavy meals, salty dishes, alcohol, stress, and changes in daily routine can put extra pressure on the heart, especially for people who already have weak heart function.

Dr. Yaranov explains that many Thanksgiving dishes contain hidden sodium. Foods like gravy, stuffing, canned broth, ham, and many restaurant meals have a high salt content that can cause the body to retain fluid. This sudden fluid buildup can lead to congestion and heart failure symptoms overnight. Even one extra-salty dinner can be enough to create trouble for a person who is already at risk.

He also warns that heavy meals can make breathing more difficult. After a big dinner, more blood returns to the heart, which can be stressful for someone with heart problems. If a person feels breathless after eating or cannot lie flat comfortably, these may be early signs of fluid buildup. Such symptoms should not be ignored.

Alcohol is another risk factor during the holiday. Many people drink more during Thanksgiving celebrations, but even small amounts can cause issues for heart patients. Alcohol can lower blood pressure and trigger irregular heartbeats. When combined with medications, the effects can be serious. This makes the holiday season a risky time for people with heart conditions.

Another common warning sign is fatigue. If someone feels unusually tired even after a full night’s sleep, it may be a sign that the heart is struggling to pump enough blood. This is especially important when no amount of rest or caffeine improves the tiredness. Feeling drained without a clear reason should be taken seriously.

Sudden weight gain or swelling is also a major red flag. Dr. Yaranov says that a two or three-pound increase overnight usually means the body is retaining fluid, not gaining fat. Swelling in the ankles, hands, or stomach is a clear sign that the heart is under stress. This sudden change should be treated as a warning to seek medical help immediately.

Dr. Yaranov advises everyone, especially those who already suffer from heart failure, to pay close attention to changes in their body. He strongly recommends not skipping medications and not waiting for symptoms to settle down on their own. Acting early is always better than delaying treatment. He suggests calling a doctor right away or visiting a hospital if symptoms get worse.

Even with these risks, the cardiologist says people can still enjoy Thanksgiving with their loved ones. The key is to be mindful, avoid overindulging, and stay aware of how the body feels. By paying attention to warning signs and taking quick action when needed, holiday celebrations can remain safe and healthy.

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