When people drink too much alcohol, particularly during holidays and social gatherings, they may have an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), which is known as “Holiday Heart Syndrome.” In the late 1970s, the medical community first began writing about this illness. Individuals who do not regularly consume high quantities of alcohol may be susceptible to this condition if they engage in binge drinking.
The following is a list of the main characteristics of Holiday Heart Syndrome:
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): The Holiday Heart Syndrome is characterized by this particular arrhythmia. The atria (the heart’s upper chambers) are the source of atrial fibrillation, a fast and irregular heartbeat. It’s possible to have symptoms including lightheadedness, chest pain, and a palpitating or racing heart.
- Alcohol Trigger: Excessive alcohol use, particularly by those who are not accustomed to it, might bring on the condition. It is not known for sure how alcohol triggers cardiac arrhythmias, although it is thought to have direct impacts on the heart’s electrical circuitry.
- Reversible: The good news is that in most cases, Holiday Heart Syndrome may be treated successfully. When alcohol use is cut down or stopped entirely, the irregular heart rhythm will often return to normal within a few days to a week’s time, on average.
It is important to keep in mind that, even though this condition usually only lasts for a short period of time, atrial fibrillation in and of itself may be a significant medical condition that may call for medical treatment or further assessment by a cardiologist.
Consuming alcohol in moderation and being aware of your individual tolerance level and limitations is the most effective strategy to avoid getting Holiday Heart Syndrome (also known as HHS). After drinking alcohol, if you feel palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
