A new analysis predicts more Iowans will die from heart attacks during the final week of December than any other week of the year, and heart experts say holiday habits are a big part of the problem.

Rob Gavora, chief administrative officer at MercyOne Iowa Heart Center in Des Moines and a board member for the Iowa chapter of the American Heart Association, says there isn’t just one cause. Stress, overeating and skipping medications all play a role.

“Many folks are obviously indulging in foods or other activities they might not normally be engaging in. Many folks aren’t quite as active during that time of the year as well, with their exercise and things of that nature,” Gavora says. “Many folks who are constantly taking medications or they’re on some type of medication cycle, they maybe t

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