What Is The Holiday Heart Syndrome? How To Be Safe?

Holidays are the time when you indulge in food, and also a time when often many of us binge drink. But it is possible that this could lead to you experiencing holiday heart syndrome. But what is it? It refers to a phenomenon where binge drinking causes heart palpitations or arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). For women, binge drinking is considered at four drinks in two hours, while for men it is five or more.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of arrhythmia that causes holiday heart syndrome and causes the heart to beat irregularly. It could be too slow or too quick.

History and origins

The term holiday heart syndrome was introduced in 1970s, which described a rise in arrhythmia cases during festive seasons, especially among the healthy people, who binge drink. However, this is not just limited to holidays, it can be common to those who drink alcohol excessively.

What causes it?

There are a mix of factors, including alcohol, dehydration and stress. Research highlights alcohol’s disruptive impact on the cardiovascular system, showing that even small amounts can elevate heart rate by activating the “fight-or-flight” response and suppressing the “rest-and-digest” response.

Alcohol is also known to interfere with heart's ability to contract properly, which is what triggers arrhythmia and AFib.

Who is at risk?

While it can happen to anyone who binge drinks, there are certain groups more at risk:

• People over the age of 65
• People with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or heart failure
• Excessive alcohol use
• Family history of AFib or heart diseases
• People who have had any recent heart, lungs or esophagus surgery
• People with substance use disorder

What are the symptoms?

The hallmark sign of holiday heart syndrome is an irregular or racing heartbeat, often experienced as heart palpitations. These palpitations can be brief or last for extended periods. Other symptoms may include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Low blood pressure

Can it be treated?

Treatment for holiday heart involves addressing its root cause. Most healthcare provider recommend patients to abstain alcohol or limit its intake.

Prevention techniques

The only guaranteed way to avoid holiday heart syndrome is to steer clear of alcohol. Since alcohol tolerance varies, there’s no universal “safe” amount. However, supporting overall heart health can reduce your risk of arrhythmia and AFib.

Here are some tips:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Stay active: Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days.
• Limit alcohol: If you choose to drink, experts suggest no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
• Manage your weight and reduce stress.
• Set limits at gatherings: Avoid overindulging in foods high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat.
• Stay hydrated and quit smoking.

Should You Be Concerned?

A fleeting episode of holiday heart syndrome may not be dangerous, but it’s crucial to monitor symptoms, especially if you have a history of heart issues. AFib can lead to blood clots, significantly raising the risk of stroke. Symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or prolonged heart palpitations should never be ignored.

When in doubt, always be on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider—your heart’s health is worth celebrating year-round!