New Delhi, Dec. 10 -- The year-end holidays are usually a time for travel, family gatherings and festive meals. But cardiologists caution that this period also sees a noticeable rise in heart attack cases. According to US-based cardiac surgeon Dr Jeremy London, Christmas Eve consistently records the highest number of heart attacks in a year.

"We see this pattern every year. Heart attack cases spike around Christmas and New Year," he said, urging people to stay alert to early warning signs and avoid common seasonal pitfalls.

Cardiologists point to a combination of behavioural and environmental triggers that make the holidays a risky period for heart health:

People tend to eat richer meals, drink more alcohol and reduce physical activity...