According to a study, Koreans experienced heart attacks in hospitals more often on national holidays than on any other day. In January 2020, the Korean Circulation Journal published by the Korean Heart Association showed that the biggest holidays, Lunar New Year and Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok, are linked to an increase in the incidence of heart attacks outside hospitals and the death rate in hospitals.

From 2012 to 2016, the cardiology team at Mediplex Sejong Hospital analyzed 95.066 patients who suffered from cardiac arrest by internal disease. According to the results, there were 2,587 cardiac arrest patients during the 43 days of Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays. In other words, 60.2 people per day collapsed from the cardiac arrest during the holidays.

This is a very high figure compared to about 51 to 53 cardiac arrest patients on weekdays, weekends and holidays during the same period. Also, the death rate was 20% higher.

The research team pointed out that the biggest factor causing acute cardiac arrest during traditional holidays is the increase in stress. According to the researchers, Koreans often suffer from ‘holiday syndrome’ due to excessive household chores or family conflicts. They also face changes in patterns of sleep and physical activity. These sudden changes contribute to the increased stress experienced during the holidays. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption and reduced hospital accessibility due to the long holiday season are contributing factors.

Therefore, it is important to have a regular life, even during holidays. You need to check in advance the surrounding emergency care centers so that you can cope with emergencies. Also, it would be helpful to be well acquainted with first aid such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

L.L.F reporter Hyeon-Bin Song