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Itisha Arya

Holiday Heart Syndrome Explained: Causes, Symptoms, And How To Stay Safe

holiday heart syndrome

During the festive months, overindulgence in celebrations can trigger <span>holiday heart syndrome</span> (HHS), a potentially serious yet largely preventable set of heart-related symptoms that tend to rise during this time of year. Most people recover within a day, but HHS can occasionally lead to stroke, heart attack, or other serious complications, according to the Cleveland Clinic. As the holiday season approaches, let’s explore what holiday heart syndrome is, its symptoms, and how to prevent it.

First identified by a US physician in 1978, holiday heart syndrome describes irregular heartbeats that occur after binge drinking during the festive season. Research from the University of South Australia shows that alcohol consumption increases by 70 per cent in December compared to other months, while iSelect data predicts Australians may consume around 58 million standard drinks per day during the month. With numbers like these, some caution is warranted.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the specific irregular heartbeat seen in HHS. It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers contract or quiver in a chaotic pattern, which can cause blood to pool in the atrium and form clots. If these clots enter the bloodstream, they can travel to the brain and trigger a stroke.

<h2>What Are the Symptoms of Holiday Heart?</h2>

Symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, anxiety, weakness, confusion, sweating, faintness, unusual tiredness during exercise, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and sensations like fluttering, thumping, pressure, or chest pain.

Dr Mariann R. Piano, Nancy and Hilliard Travis Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, warns, “The scary thing is that people may not notice any symptoms, which makes it a particularly dangerous arrhythmia.”

Researchers are still investigating exactly how alcohol triggers AFib and how much intake increases the risk. A 2020 study found that people who usually drank at least 10 alcoholic beverages a week lowered their risk of holiday heart syndrome by reducing alcohol consumption. Another study confirmed that eliminating alcohol significantly decreases the chances of developing AFib.

<h2>How To Try to Avoid Holiday Heart Syndrome</h2>

The Australian Alcohol Guidelines recommend that healthy adults limit alcohol to no more than 10 standard drinks per week to reduce risk.

Experts like Kistler suggest that people with existing heart arrhythmias either abstain or stick to “up to three standard drinks a week.” Drinking mindfully, reducing overall consumption, and staying well hydrated can also help protect your heart.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Tips To Keep Your Heart Healthy During Holidays</span></h2>Here are some practical ways to protect your heart during the festive season:

<ul><li>Eat smaller, balanced meals and avoid heavy late-night feasts.</li><li>Limit alcohol intake and stay hydrated.</li><li>Continue regular medications without interruption.</li><li>Stay warm and avoid sudden exposure to cold temperatures.</li><li>Maintain light physical activity and avoid strenuous exertion in the early morning.</li><li>Manage stress by taking breaks, sleeping adequately, and avoiding overexertion during travel or celebrations.</li><li>Seek medical help immediately if you experience chest discomfort, unusual fatigue, breathlessness, or palpitations.</li></ul>

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During the festive months, overindulgence in celebrations can trigger holiday heart syndrome (HHS), a potentially serious yet largely preventable set of heart-related symptoms that tend to rise during this time of year. Most people recover within a day, but HHS can occasionally lead to stroke, heart attack, or other serious complications, according to the Cleveland Clinic. As the holiday season approaches, let’s explore what holiday heart syndrome is, its symptoms, and how to prevent it.What Is Holiday Heart Syndrome?First identified by a US physician in 1978, holiday heart syndrome describes irregular heartbeats that occur after binge drinking during the festive season. Research from the University of South Australia shows that alcohol consumption increases by 70 per cent in December compared to other months, while iSelect data predicts Australians may consume around 58 million standard drinks per day during the month. With numbers like these, some caution is warranted.Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the specific irregular heartbeat seen in HHS. It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers contract or quiver in a chaotic pattern, which can cause blood to pool in the atrium and form clots. If these clots enter the bloodstream, they can travel to the brain and trigger a stroke.What Are the Symptoms of Holiday Heart?Symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, anxiety, weakness, confusion, sweating, faintness, unusual tiredness during exercise, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and sensations like fluttering, thumping, pressure, or chest pain.Dr Mariann R. Piano, Nancy and Hilliard Travis Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, warns, “The scary thing is that people may not notice any symptoms, which makes it a particularly dangerous arrhythmia.”How Can Drinking Lead to AFib?Researchers are still investigating exactly how alcohol triggers AFib and how much intake increases the risk. A 2020 study found that people who usually drank at least 10 alcoholic beverages a week lowered their risk of holiday heart syndrome by reducing alcohol consumption. Another study confirmed that eliminating alcohol significantly decreases the chances of developing AFib.How To Try to Avoid Holiday Heart SyndromeThe Australian Alcohol Guidelines recommend that healthy adults limit alcohol to no more than 10 standard drinks per week to reduce risk.Experts like Kistler suggest that people with existing heart arrhythmias either abstain or stick to “up to three standard drinks a week.” Drinking mindfully, reducing overall consumption, and staying well hydrated can also help protect your heart.Tips To Keep Your Heart Healthy During HolidaysHere are some practical ways to protect your heart during the festive season:Eat smaller, balanced meals and avoid heavy late-night feasts.Limit alcohol intake and stay hydrated.Continue regular medications without interruption.Stay warm and avoid sudden exposure to cold temperatures.Maintain light physical activity and avoid strenuous exertion in the early morning.Manage stress by taking breaks, sleeping adequately, and avoiding overexertion during travel or celebrations.Seek medical help immediately if you experience chest discomfort, unusual fatigue, breathlessness, or palpitations.

holiday heart syndrome explained: causes, symptoms, and how to stay safe

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Holiday Heart Syndrome Explained: Causes, Symptoms, And How To Stay Safe