OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. Heart health is not something most think of during the holidays but it should be.

Studies show the holidays are among the deadliest times of the year for heart attacks.

"There is a rise in heart attacks around the holidays, in particular this year because Christmas falls on a Monday. So, we will have more heart attacks and possibly even bigger heart attacks," said Mike Campsey, chief of cardiology, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital.

Studies show heart attacks most commonly occur on Mondays, as people push off their symptoms and wait until the weekend is over to address any issues.

And since its the holiday, they will just push them of further.

Campsey says there is a 15 percent increase of heart episodes during the holidays and a 35 percent increase on Christmas Eve alone.

"You know, I think it is important for patients to remember what the symptoms of a heart attack are," he said.

Chest discomfort, cold, clammy sweats, shortness of breath, arm pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and jaw pain are the big ones.

"If its something that is new that has just come out of the patient of the person, I would just come in and get it checked out, come into the emergency room, Campsey said. I don't think putting it off until Monday or Tuesday is the way to do it."

In addition to calling 911, Campsey says make sure you are taking your medicine, and check your blood pressure and you can use aspirin if you are getting chest discomfort.

And for the holiday, he says not to steer away from your normal routine. Don't do more activities or eat more than usual. Stay consistent,

"You only get one heart, so you want to take care of it, Campsey said. So that would be the biggest reason to take care of your heart is you only get one."

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Holidays linked to surge in heart attacks, warns cardiology chief ahead of Christmas - WTOV Steubenville