How Winter Weather, Flu Shots Affect Heart Attack Risk

Beverly Hills People columnist Mike Torchia trains actor Matt Damon

Celebrity trainer and Beverly Hills People columnist Mike Torchia cautions readers about the little-known "heart attack" season that poses increased risk for cardiac patients.

(PRWEB) October 14, 2007 -- BeverlyHillsPeople.com Health and Fitness columnist/celebrity fitness trainer Mike Torchia exposes the link between cold and flu season and the increased risk of fatal heart attacks in his latest heart attack risk column.

Duke University researchers studied heart attack patients admitted to the university's hospital during the holidays. They found that these patients received fewer life-saving medications and procedures than patients admitted at other times of the year. They also died more often. The researchers believed that at least one of the causes was reduced hospital staffing during the holidays.

In addition to the Duke University findings, Mike Torchia also compiled other risk factors for heart patients to consider during heart attack season. Among these are increased LDL (bad cholesterol) intake associated with holiday feasting along with abnormal physical exertion by snow belt residents who struggle to dig their homes out from under winter storms.

Torchia goes on to list several other risk factors as well as safety measures for heart patients to take during this time, including flu shots. Torchia quotes studies that show how flu shots can reduce heart attacks by up to 67% in some people. read article.

Torchia also cautions Beverly Hills People readers about some of the early-warning heart attack signals to keep in mind including:

• Discomfort or pain in the chest, possibly going into the neck, back, jaw, arms or shoulders.
• Numbness or tingling in one or both arms.
• Nausea or vomiting.

BeverlyHillsPeople.com is an online publication offering celebrity news, entertainment and fashion, restaurant and hotel information.

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