What is Holiday Heart Syndrome?

While it’s easy to indulge amid the joy and excitement of the holiday season, it’s important not to inadvertently put your heart health at risk. Research has shown that more people die from heart complications between Christmas and New Year’s than any other time of year.

“Holiday heart syndrome” is an umbrella term used to describe cardiac complications, such as atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrest, and heart attack, that occur during or around winter holiday celebrations.

Excess consumption of food and alcohol, which can increase blood pressure, plays a large role, according to Dr. William J. Prabhu, a cardiologist and associate director of the cardiac catheterization lab at NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital.

“Even for people who are normally careful about their salt, alcohol, and caloric intake, that caution tends to go out the window during holiday celebrations, which can be dangerous.”

Health Matters spoke with Dr. Prabhu to better understand holiday heart syndrome, including why it happens, and how to prevent it.

Why do heart complications increase during the holidays?
Dr. Prabhu: At holiday gatherings, we tend to eat larger meals that are heavier and more loaded with salt, which can impact blood pressure. An elevated blood pressure can strain the heart and increase the risk of a heart attack.

It’s also easy to lose track of alcohol consumption at these types of events. Binge drinking – which for men is defined as drinking five or more drinks and for women, four or more drinks within a span of two hours – and even moderate drinking can cause atrial fibrillation (or AFib), an abnormal heart rhythm that can increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, and other complications. When you drink alcohol, your heart’s electrical system – which sends signals that control your heart rate and rhythm – becomes altered. This can cause an irregular heartbeat.

In addition, due to holiday traveling or changes in routine, people with heart conditions may forget to take their medication, which also increases the risk of cardiac events.

What are the signs and symptoms of holiday heart syndrome?
Someone experiencing holiday heart syndrome may feel heart palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, exhaustion, shortness of breath, and leg swelling.

You might feel that you don’t want to interrupt the festivities, but don’t ignore these signs or put off seeing a doctor. Research has shown that holiday-induced delays in seeking treatment may have fatal consequences. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Who is most at risk for holiday heart syndrome?
While holiday heart syndrome can affect anyone, people over the age of 65 or those who already have chronic heart conditions are at a higher risk.

Past research has also found that holiday heart syndrome can also impact people who rarely or never consume alcohol, but binge drink on occasion. Chronic alcohol drinking increases the risk of arrhythmia and though majority of alcohol-related atrial fibrillation cases can resolve spontaneously, up to 30 percent of cases may recur within a year.

How is holiday heart syndrome treated?
Since Holiday Heart syndrome is more centered around behavioral changes that impact risk factors, treatment will depend on the individual’s cardiac issue and symptoms.

Holiday heart syndrome can be an umbrella term for other conditions and range in severity.

Doctors may administer blood thinners or beta blockers to help prevent blood clots and control the heart rate or use a brief electric shock to correct an irregular heartbeat, among other therapies.

How can holiday heart syndrome be prevented?
Remember that each time the holidays come around, you’re a little older and your overall health might not be the same as the year before. As we age, we accumulate risk factors and become more likely to develop health issues.

The key is to practice moderation – you can (and should) still have fun and celebrate with loved ones without going over the line into excess.

Year-round, it’s important to support heart health by keeping a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and trying to reduce stress, as well as getting screened for cardiovascular conditions.