From the Journals

Cardiac Arrest Patterns After Holidays

Association strongest after multiday holidays and in several higher-risk patient groups.

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A nationwide study in South Korea found that out-of-hospital cardiac arrest rates increased by 9% on the first working day post-holidays compared to other weekdays, based on data from 203,471 cases collected between 2013 and 2023. Researchers observed 49,199 arrests on postholiday weekdays and identified that older adults and patients with nonshockable rhythms were particularly affected. Factors like behavioral changes and increased physiologic stress after holidays may contribute to this phenomenon. Limitations include observational study design and incomplete data on key variables.

Original Source(s)

Cardiac Arrest Patterns After Holidays

Association strongest after multiday holidays and in several higher-risk patient groups.

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • March 6, 2026

  • 3 min

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