The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive gatherings, but it can also pose risks to heart health due to overindulgence in food, alcohol, and disruptions to daily routines. Dr. Ali Baird, director of Cardiac and Vascular Services at HCA Healthcare, warns about the dangers of holiday heart syndrome, a condition that causes irregular heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation or AFib) often triggered by binge drinking.
What is Holiday Heart Syndrome?
The term holiday heart syndrome was first coined in 1978 after researchers observed a link between atrial fibrillation and alcohol overconsumption during festive periods. AFib is an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that can cause fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing. While binge drinking is a primary trigger, the condition can also be exacerbated by stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep—all common during the holiday season.
Binge drinking is defined as consuming enough alcohol to bring blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher—typically four or more drinks for women and five or more for men within two hours. The holiday season, spanning Thanksgiving to New Year’s, sees the highest spike in alcohol consumption, increasing the risk of holiday heart syndrome for many. While symptoms often subside after drinking stops, persistent episodes can lead to severe complications, including heart failure or stroke.
Why Does the Holiday Season Affect Heart Health?
The holidays don’t directly cause heart problems, but the behaviors associated with them can. Rich, salty, and fatty foods dominate festive menus, alcohol is consumed in excess, and routines like regular exercise or sleep are disrupted. Emotional stress from travel, grief, financial pressures, or strained family relationships further compounds the risk. Ignoring symptoms or engaging in overindulgence as a coping mechanism can lead to heart strain.
“In addition to overindulgences, gatherings with loved ones can cause stress and exhaustion. All of these factors can lead to arrhythmias—or heart rhythm problems—in otherwise healthy individuals,” Dr. Baird explained.
Symptoms of Holiday Heart Syndrome
Symptoms can mimic the aftereffects of overeating or drinking, making them easy to dismiss. Common indicators include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Chest discomfort
- Difficulty breathing
While mild cases often resolve with rest and hydration, any prolonged symptoms require immediate medical attention to avoid severe complications.
Tips to Protect Your Heart Health
Dr. Baird emphasizes that enjoying the holidays doesn’t mean sacrificing heart health. By adopting healthy habits, you can reduce your risk of holiday heart syndrome and enjoy the season responsibly.
1. Practice Moderation
- Monitor portion sizes and allow time for your body to feel full before considering seconds.
- Avoid excessive consumption of salty, fatty foods, and opt for healthier options where possible.
- Drink alcohol in moderation and stay hydrated to mitigate its effects.
2. Stay Active
- Incorporate short walks after meals to aid digestion, lower blood pressure, and burn calories.
- Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces stress.
3. Manage Stress and Rest
- Prioritize sleep and practice relaxation techniques to combat holiday stress.
- Avoid pushing yourself too hard to meet holiday expectations.
4. Take Medications as Prescribed
- Stick to your medication schedule, particularly if you’re on treatment for heart conditions.
- Set reminders to ensure you don’t miss doses during the holiday hustle.
“These habits not only prevent holiday heart syndrome but contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle,” Dr. Baird said. “Exercise, walking after meals with family members, and holding each other accountable are great ways to stay healthy during the holidays.”
A Broader Initiative to Combat AFib and Stroke
HCA Healthcare and the HCA Healthcare Foundation are collaborating with the American Heart Association on the Getting to the Heart of Stroke™ initiative. This program aims to improve community and healthcare provider awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of stroke, particularly for patients with AFib, in an effort to enhance outcomes nationwide.