Holiday Heart Ache

Studies show that patients admitted to the hospital with heart attacks in the month of December have higher death rates than any other time of year. MPB's Lawayne Childrey has more.

The reason that December heart attacks appear more deadly is not clear. But according to Dr. Evelyn Walker, with the Jackson Heart Study, many patients with symptoms of a heart attack try to attribute them to some other cause like stress or overeating.
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Cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart failure is the leading cause of death in Mississippi. For those reasons, Elaina Jackson with the American heart Association stresses the importance of staying in tune with your body.
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Jackson says African Americans are more likely to have heart related problems than other races. That's why she stresses talking to your doctor about any family history of the disease.
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While having lunch in her favorite restaurant, Dorothy Stewart of Jackson recalls how doctors discovered she was at risk of heart disease. It resulted in surgery, and a daily diet of medication. But she says the experience has helped her family shed some old habits.
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According to the Department of Health's website, last year more than 8,000 Mississippian's died of heart disease. For MPB news, I'm Lawayne Childrey.