Gaby
It’s that time of year again—holiday parties and gatherings with family and friends, where drinks flow freely. During this season, many people exceed their usual limits when it comes to drinking. Suddenly they may find their hearts racing and beating irregularly.
In those cases, emergency room doctors often diagnose alcohol-induced atrial arrhythmia. This condition is particularly common during the holidays, especially in winter, which is why it has another name: festive heart.
What is it?
Festive heart is a rapid or irregular heartbeat linked to excessive alcohol consumption, overeating, dehydration, and increased stress. Professor Caleb Ferguson from the University of Wollongong in Australia says doctors have been studying this condition for about 50 years.
Ferguson says alcohol affects the heart, blood vessels, blood, and nervous system in multiple ways. For instance, it can impair nervous system function and promote dehydration and inflammation. Those changes can disrupt the heart’s electrical system and trigger arrhythmia, as reported by ScienceAlert.
Typically during the holiday season, people end up in the hospital with symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath. This combination of symptoms requires prompt attention from cardiologists.
First, cardiologists monitor the heart’s rhythm using an electrocardiogram. The clinic may also run blood tests to check electrolyte levels, clotting markers, signs of inflammation, and kidney and liver function.
Why do doctors consider festive heart a serious issue?
The vast majority of people diagnosed with this condition recover, especially if they start treatment early and stop drinking alcohol.
However, in some cases doctors diagnose atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. If left untreated, atrial fibrillation raises the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.
How can you prevent alcohol-induced arrhythmia?
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Between alcoholic drinks, drink water; Professor Ferguson recommends alternating alcoholic drinks with water during multiple gatherings.
Stay active and stick to your usual healthy diet even during hectic holiday days. Follow these simple steps to help protect your heart during the holiday season.
