Beware Of The Holiday Heart Syndrome: Here's What You Need To Know About It

Holidays are probably the best time of the year. Being off work and getting to snuggle in a cosy blanket all day is the best way to spend time during chilly winter holidays. What is also exciting about this time is that there are numerous parties and family get-togethers to attend. And while it is fun to attend these occasions and spend the long-due to time with your near and dear ones, excessive partying can have an effect on your health. Binge drinking around the holiday season can increase risks of Holiday Heart Syndrome. This condition causes heart arrhythmia and artrial fibrillation most frequently. They occur after short periods of binge drinking and can even happen to healthy individuals.

What is holiday heart syndrome?

Holiday heart syndrome can lead to cardiac rhythm disorders that are associated with binge drinking which usually occurs during holidays, says healthline. A recently-conducted study also mentioned that risks of heart attack increased during Christmas and New Year. 

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When a person stops drinking, holiday heart syndrome can resolve on its own. If you experience heart fluttering after drinking alcohol, refrain from drinking for a while. 

Also read: 7 Natural Cholesterol Reducers For A Healthy Heart

How to prevent Holiday Heart Syndrome?

A very simple way to prevent Holiday Heart Syndrome is to drink alcohol in complete moderation. Alcohol tends to affect both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. 

Binge drinking during holidays can increase risks of holiday heart syndrome
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: Why You Must Lose Belly Fat: Will It Harm Your Heart? Find Out

The condition can also occur because of stress like financial stress or the mere concern of hosting family occasions. Diet is also a determinant for holiday heart syndrome. Stay away from too much junk food and sweets foods to prevent it.

The condition is not as serious per se. If you have not had a history of heart problems, a rapid heart rate or skipped beat need not be a cause of concern. It is likely to resolve on its own.

However, binge drinking or alcohol related heart arrythmias, should be taken seriously. They may cause other symptoms such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, chest pain and difficulty in breathing. In case heart arrythmias are not properly treated, it may lead to heart failure and stroke.

Here are some effective ways to take care of your heart health during holidays:

1. To take an informed decision about ways to take care of your heart health, it is important that you get your medical check-up at least once a year. 

2. Quit smoking. Ideally, alcohol should also be avoided if you want to prevent heart disease.

3. Exercise regularly. Do not make the chilly weather an excuse to not exercise during winter holidays. Regular physical activity which involves cardiovascular exercises like walking, running and jogging must be in your routine. This will also save you from gaining holiday weight. 

4. Include heart healthy foods in your diet. Leafy green veggies, nuts, seeds, avocado, green beans and omega-3 rich fatty fish are all good for your heart. Avoid processed, packaged and foods high in salt or sodium.

5. Keep a check on cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Uncontrolled levels cholesterol and blood pressure can increase risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. 

Also read: Can Fermented Dairy Products Protect Against Heart Attacks?

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.