India, Dec. 18 -- A North Texas-based father, who survived a heart attack, is using his experience to urge others not to dismiss warning signs during the holiday season, a period doctors say carries higher cardiac risk than many realize.

According to the American Heart Association, more people in the United States die from heart attacks on December 25 than on any other day of the year. The days that follow - December 26 and New Year's Day - also see a noticeable spike.

Bentley Heart cardiologist Dr Fahmi Farah states this happens because "people tend to deviate from their routine." Holiday travel disrupts routines. Medications are missed. Meals tend to be heavier, salt intake rises, and alcohol consumption increases, even stress - all o...