Research from the UK and Sweden has shown that Christmas can put an increased strain on our hearts, with a 37% increase in heart attack risk on Christmas eve, and a 15% increase during the festive period. In 2019 and 2022, there were 6,661 excess winter deaths due to cardiovascular disease, which included 2,820 deaths due to coronary heart disease.

Seasonal changes and a rise in contagious illnesses contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. To highlight the impact that the festive season has on heart health and encourage people to take care, Heart Research UK has created a fun campaign to raise awareness.

Santa Claus is identified as a high-risk individual, due to his stressful job, poor diet of mince pies and irregular exercise. The ‘A Healthy Heart Christmas’ campaign features a hand-painted illustration of traditional Christmas scenes with an impactful twist. Santa Claus can be seen clutching his chest and collapsing to the floor as he experiences a heart attack.

The campaign partnered with online card marketplace, Thortful, to create a set of limited-edition Christmas cards showing the festive scenes with Santa Claus restored to full health. Proceeds from the cards will fund Heart Health UK’s lifesaving work.

The campaign was launched across social media and in print to drive awareness of heart health this Christmas. It also included a radio advertisement from Line of Duty actor, Mark Bonnar, encouraging people to visit Heart Research UK’s website and donate.