What is “Christmas heart syndrome” and why is it so dangerous?

It’s the end of the year and important dates are approaching like Christmas, New Year, the secret friend at work and the most awaited, the holidays. It is normal to assume that routine is lost on these dates , eat more disorderly, forget certain medications and consume more alcohol. Although this may seem harmless, it is actually not the case.

Sudden excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages can cause an increase in heart rate, known as holiday heart syndrome, also known to doctors as Christmas heart syndrome. This syndrome, although it seems like a comedy, is real and refers to a set of heart problems that can occur during holiday periods, vacations or long weekends.

This association was first established in 1978, when a higher incidence of cardiac arrhythmias was observed, particularly in people who consumed alcohol excessively during these periods.

Arrhythmia refers to any alteration in the heart rhythm , if the heart beats too fast (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia) or irregularly. Arrhythmia symptoms may vary depending on the type of arrhythmia and the severity of the condition.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define the excessive drinking, such as consuming five or more drinks at a time for men and four or more drinks for women, something that, to many, doesn’t seem like much on a night of partying and disrespect.

According to data from Track (2017) Chileans drink 55 grams of pure alcohol per drinking day, while more than 20 grams is considered “risky”. This consumption is concentrated on 1.6 days per week. Young people (15-24 years old) drink on average 8 glasses per drinking day. “2 out of 5 people who have drunk alcohol (in the last month) have consumed more than 5 drinks on a single occasion”, » points out Senda.

Emotional stress, excessive consumption of high-fat and high-calorie foods, increased alcohol consumption, and disruption of regular routines can contribute to holiday heart syndrome.. It has been suggested that excess alcohol can trigger cardiac arrhythmias in predisposed individuals.

It is no surprise that the American Heart Association (AHA) has published a study which reports that more cardiac deaths occur in the United States on December 25 than any other day of the year.

In fact, between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day More people die from heart attacks than at any other time of the year.

Dr. Michael Chen, an interventional cardiologist at Adventist HealthCare, told the site WTOP that atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heart rhythm. “What patients may feel is palpitations, feeling like the heart is a little off, skipped beats,” he said. This is a serious concern, Chen said, because it can lead to a stroke.

But alcohol is not the only culprit. Higher doses of caffeine and greater salt intake, as evidenced by holiday-induced eating disorders, can also cause stress on the heart, which can increase arrhythmias, says the cardiologist.

On the other hand, the loss of routine can cause people to forget their medications while they’re traveling or busy sorting out their holiday affairs. These things could cause an imbalance and worsen various heart diseases, explains Dr. Vivek Goswami, cardiologist at Heart Hospital in Austin. KurtNews.

Some symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia are palpitations such as a feeling of strong, fast, or irregular heartbeat, dizziness or fainting, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, anxiety or sudden weakness on one side.

It is important not to ignore these symptoms and to consult a doctor, because An arrhythmia can contribute to the development of certain heart conditions that increase the risk of a heart attack. Chen explains that no alcohol consumption is recommended by the WHO, but that is an unnecessary thought in a context where alcohol is part of people’s social lives. He therefore recommends “as little alcohol as possible”.

The physical stress of travel and the possible emotional stress of vacation can also play a role. “Enjoy your time with friends and family,” says Dr. Goswami. “But taking things in moderation is a key point.”

In addition to this, Chen recommends a low-salt diet and exercise. “Exercise has huge benefits,” he said. “It can help reduce blood pressure, reduce weight” and also improve mental outlook.

If you have concerns about your heart health or experience symptoms related to arrhythmias, it is essential that you consult a healthcare professional for appropriate assessment and advice.