What Is Holiday Heart Syndrome?

The term holiday heart syndrome was coined in 1978. The holiday heart syndrome, also referred to as alcohol-induced atrial arrhythmias, is characterized by an acute cardiac rhythm and/or conduction disturbance associated with heavy ethanol consumption in a person without other clinical evidence of heart disease.

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Why In News?

While Holiday Heart Syndrome can happen any time of year, it’s most common around end-of-year holidays when festivities are at an all-time high.

What Is Holiday Heart Syndrome?

• It’s atrial fibrillation (AFib), or an irregular heartbeat, that’s associated with binge drinking.
• Holiday heart syndrome is a common cause of cardiac disease that refers to alcohol-induced atrial arrhythmias that can happen because of overindulging in salty food and alcohol.
• Although overeating salty foods and alcohol can happen at any point in time, it is usually called holiday heart syndrome, since most people have these foods usually around the holidays.
• The excessive salt content and alcohol can cause the heart to beat irregularly, also called atrial fibrillation (A-fib) and is an alarming side effect of too much celebration, leading to serious heart issues in the long run.
• Holiday heart symptoms usually last 24 hours. It is important to recognize the signs of a heart attack and to not wait to seek help.

Symptoms of Holiday Heart Syndrome

The most commonly associated symptoms of this condition include:

1) Dizziness
2) Difficulty in breathing
3) Chest pain
4) Loss of consciousness
5) Fluttering and discomfort in the chest
6) Anxiety
7) Blurred vision

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What Are The Causes Of Holiday Heart Syndrome?

• While the exact cause of holiday heart syndrome hasn’t been determined yet, most experts believe that since there is an induced alteration in the nervous system that regulates the heart rate, alcohol can alter that.
• It can change the electrical signals within your heart, which coordinate the contraction of your cardiac cells.
• The symptoms of atrial fibrillation are chest pain, heart palpitations, lack of energy, dizziness and shortness of breath.

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How To Treat Holiday Heart Syndrome?

• The best way to avoid holiday heart syndrome is by changing lifestyle.
• If one is planning to attend a party, have a game plan set and know how much you’re eating and drinking.
• Avoiding alcohol and making sure to eat salty foods in moderation.
• Also, one should keep themselves hydrated as dehydration can increase the risk of this syndrome.
• Another factor that can lessen the risk of heart issues is managing stress.

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