Understanding Holiday Heart Syndrome: A Seasonal Health Concern
The festive season is synonymous with indulgence, where sumptuous meals and free-flowing spirits abound. However, the revelry may sometimes come with a hidden health risk known as holiday heart syndrome.
Cardiologist Dr. Rachel Bond from Dignity Health Medical Group sheds light on this condition, describing it as a disturbance in heart rhythm, most commonly atrial fibrillation.
“Holiday heart syndrome refers to a heart rhythm disturbance,” explained Dr. Bond. “And it often occurs after someone’s had a heavy night of alcohol intake, often around the holidays or celebrations.”
Symptoms associated with this condition can manifest as palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue, or dizziness. Women, in particular, may experience more subtle symptoms.
Dr. Bond elaborates, “So instead of feeling discomfort in their chest, they may notice that it’s actually in their shoulder blades or maybe across their chest. Maybe they may have a fluttering in their chest, or maybe they may have some fatigue.”
Age and gender also play a role in susceptibility to holiday heart syndrome. Men aged 45 and above, and women aged 55 and older, are at increased risk. Additionally, peri-menopausal women, with their fluctuating hormone levels, are particularly vulnerable.
“As a result of that, if a female is in a perimenopausal period, and they have an episode where they’re drinking several glasses or several alcoholic beverages as an example, they are more predisposed to having holiday heart,” Bond noted.
To mitigate these risks, Dr. Bond advises moderation in alcohol consumption. Women should limit themselves to one glass per day, while men are advised not to exceed two.
The American Heart Association also advises caution during holiday celebrations. They recommend limiting alcohol consumption, considering non-alcoholic options, or alternating alcohol with water.
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