Key takeaways:
Holiday heart syndrome is the term for heart rhythm problems that develop after drinking large amounts of alcohol. Most often, it causes an arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Sometimes, holiday heart syndrome is temporary and goes away. Other times, it unmasks an underlying heart condition that leads to repeated episodes of arrhythmia.
You can reduce your risk of holiday heart syndrome by making mindful food and drink choices during your holiday celebrations.
The winter holidays are a time for friends and family to get together and celebrate the season. And for many people, holiday parties include having a few more drinks than usual.
But episodes of heavy alcohol intake can affect your heart. More specifically, heavy drinking can lead to episodes of a rapid or irregular heartbeat. And this can happen even if you have no history of heart problems. So, it helps to know what holiday heart syndrome feels like, and what to do if it happens to you.
What is holiday heart syndrome?
The technical term for holiday heart syndrome is alcohol-induced atrial arrhythmia. Let’s break down what this means. Holiday heart syndrome refers to a condition that’s:
Alcohol-induced: This means it’s triggered by drinking alcohol.
Atrial: The problem occurs in the atria, which are the top two chambers of the heart. Their job is to squeeze blood into the bottom two chambers, which send blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.
Arrhythmia: This is a general term that refers to any irregular heartbeat.
Usually, holiday heart syndrome causes a type of atrial arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation (commonly called AFib). This is when the top chambers of the heart develop a fast, erratic heartbeat. But holiday heart syndrome can include other irregular heart rhythms, too. Another example is atrial flutter. This is similar to AFib but with a few key differences.
What causes holiday heart syndrome?
Holiday heart syndrome is caused by drinking too much alcohol. But experts don’t fully understand the exact reason this occurs.
It’s probably related to the way that alcohol causes a buildup of alcohol metabolites in the body, as well as changes in blood electrolyte levels. Heavy drinking can also lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea. And these problems are linked to developing AFib.
There’s no specific amount of alcohol that leads to AFib. One study suggests the risk of developing AFib from alcohol rises with the amount someone consumes. So, the more you drink, the more likely you are to develop an abnormal heart rhythm.
There are probably a few other reasons that holiday heart syndrome is more common during the holidays:
More drinking: People often have more time away from work and more get-togethers during the holidays. This may lead people to drink more alcohol than they normally do.
Heavy meals: During the holidays, people often eat more salty and less nutritious foods than usual, which can lead to high blood pressure and dehydration.
Holiday stress: High expectations about the holiday season may make this a stressful time. Some people may also have changes in sleep and exercise schedules.
What are the triggers of atrial fibrillation (AFfib)? Alcohol is just one factor that can increase your risk of heart arrhythmias like AFib. Learn the others you should know about.
Medications to avoid if you have AFib: Here’s a list of common over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that can increase your risk of AFib.
Heart palpitations versus a heart attack: Holiday heart syndrome can cause palpitations, which are very different symptoms than that of a heart attack. So it’s important to understand the difference.
How common is holiday heart syndrome?
The statistics on holiday heart syndrome are limited. In part, that’s probably because people with the syndrome don’t always get checked out. Since it often goes away by itself, the reported prevalence is likely an underestimate.
But one German study put heart monitors on over 200 healthy volunteers — mostly in their 20s and 30s — prior to a night of heavy drinking. They found that more than 5% had some type of arrhythmia within 48 hours of binge drinking. Other studies have found that if you are prone to AFib, alcohol may trigger it, even at moderate alcohol levels (2 drinks or more).
How long does holiday heart syndrome last?
Holiday heart syndrome usually goes away within a few hours after you’ve recovered from an episode of heavy alcohol drinking. And most cases resolve within 24 hours without any treatment. But in some instances, AFib may persist or come back on its own later.
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What are the symptoms of holiday heart syndrome?
Some people with holiday heart syndrome might not notice any symptoms. But the most common symptom associated with holiday heart syndrome is palpitations. This is when it feels like your heart is beating abnormally fast, or in an irregular way with skipped beats.
In addition to palpitations, other symptoms of holiday heart syndrome might include:
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort
Weakness
Fatigue
How is holiday heart syndrome diagnosed?
If you have noticeable palpitations and have never been told that you have an arrhythmia or AFib in the past, you should see a healthcare professional. They can run some quick and simple tests, like an electrocardiogram (ECG), to tell if your heart is beating abnormally. They can also have you wear a heart monitor at home, which can pick up episodes of arrhythmia that occur outside of the doctor’s office.
What is the treatment for holiday heart syndrome?
If your heart rate is very fast, or the AFib persists, you may need treatment. Some options include:
Medications: There are several different types of medications that can help return your heart to a normal rhythm or slow your heart rate. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so this is a decision that you will make with your doctor.
Cardioversion: This is a small electrical shock that puts your heart back in a regular rhythm.
Ablation: If your AFib returns despite treatment, you may be a candidate for this procedure. It uses a small wire to laser away the piece of heart tissue that causes the abnormal rhythm.
Stroke prevention is another important part of AFib treatment. Episodes of AFib can put you at higher lifetime risk of stroke. So, depending on your other risk factors, a healthcare professional may recommend that you start taking a blood thinner.
Another reason to see a healthcare professional for treatment is if you suspect that you might have trouble cutting back on alcohol. This can be hard or scary to talk about, but you’re not alone. And healthcare professionals are always open to talk about this with people. They can help you find resources and support. In some cases that might mean ongoing treatment, including therapy or rehabilitation.
Even if you don’t feel that you have a problem with alcohol, it’s best to avoid alcohol if you have holiday heart syndrome. That way you are less likely to develop AFib and its complications.
Is holiday heart syndrome dangerous?
The most severe complications of AFib from holiday heart syndrome are heart failure and stroke. This can happen if your irregular heartbeat goes untreated over time. But the good news is that AFib usually isn’t a life-threatening problem. It’s very treatable, and treatment can prevent these complications.
How to prevent holiday heart syndrome
To prevent holiday heart syndrome, be mindful of your food and drink choices. No amount of alcohol is considered good for you. But experts recommend these guidelines:
Men should have no more than 2 drinks daily (with more than 5 drinks at a time considered binge drinking).
Women should have no more than 1 drink daily (with more than 4 drinks at a time considered binge drinking).
It’s also helpful to keep in mind that based on new data about alcohol and cancer risk, many experts are calling for stricter recommendations — such as no more than 2 drinks per week for all adults.
If you do choose to drink alcohol, it may help to do the following:
Set a limit for how many drinks you plan to have.
Ask a close friend or family member to help you stick to your goal.
Slow down the metabolism of alcohol by making sure you have some food in your stomach.
Make sure you are well hydrated before drinking.
Offer to bring nonalcoholic drinks or a nutritious side dish when going to a holiday party.
Here are a few other tips that can help you stay healthy during the holiday season:
Avoid stressful conversations with friends and family.
Give yourself permission to say no to attending every holiday event.
Stick to your regular sleep schedule whenever possible.
Don’t forget to take your other medications, particularly those for your heart or high blood pressure.
When to see a healthcare professional for holiday heart syndrome
If you tend to get palpitations or dizziness when you drink alcohol, check in with a healthcare professional. They can order appropriate testing, including blood work, or a heart monitor. A healthcare professional can also help if you feel that your alcohol use is affecting your health and/or well-being.
When to go to the ER for holiday heart syndrome
If your symptoms feel more severe than just brief palpitations, you shouldn’t wait for a regular appointment. You should get emergency medical care if you have:
Heart palpitations that last longer than a couple of hours
Dizziness or fainting
Trouble breathing
Confusion or disorientation
Frequently asked questions
Not everyone who has holiday heart syndrome will get it again. The recurrence rate of holiday heart syndrome is approximately 20% to 30% within a year. This means that about 1 in 4 people will have repeat episodes in the first year after an event. But you can reduce your risk of recurrence by abstaining from alcohol.
There are several different options for medical treatment of holiday heart. The choice will depend on your symptoms, their duration, and any other health conditions you might have. Common choices include beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. In some cases, stronger antiarrhythmic medications will be required. And depending on your risk factors, you may also need blood thinners.
When you are dehydrated, your electrolytes may get out of balance. In particular, sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels may be affected. At the same time, your body may release stress hormones that can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. These are things that can raise the likelihood of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Most people will recover with hydration and electrolytes, and never have any heart issues. But if you are someone who is susceptible to AFib, dehydration may put you at a higher risk.
All forms of alcohol have been associated with holiday heart syndrome. One study found evidence that beer may pose a higher risk. But another study reported that liquor and wine were more likely to trigger it. So the takeaway is that any form of alcohol can set off an episode of holiday heart syndrome, especially when taken to excess.
Not everyone who has holiday heart syndrome will get it again. The recurrence rate of holiday heart syndrome is approximately 20% to 30% within a year. This means that about 1 in 4 people will have repeat episodes in the first year after an event. But you can reduce your risk of recurrence by abstaining from alcohol.
There are several different options for medical treatment of holiday heart. The choice will depend on your symptoms, their duration, and any other health conditions you might have. Common choices include beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. In some cases, stronger antiarrhythmic medications will be required. And depending on your risk factors, you may also need blood thinners.
When you are dehydrated, your electrolytes may get out of balance. In particular, sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels may be affected. At the same time, your body may release stress hormones that can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. These are things that can raise the likelihood of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Most people will recover with hydration and electrolytes, and never have any heart issues. But if you are someone who is susceptible to AFib, dehydration may put you at a higher risk.
All forms of alcohol have been associated with holiday heart syndrome. One study found evidence that beer may pose a higher risk. But another study reported that liquor and wine were more likely to trigger it. So the takeaway is that any form of alcohol can set off an episode of holiday heart syndrome, especially when taken to excess.
The bottom line
The best way to avoid holiday heart syndrome is by practicing moderation. Try to enjoy being active with friends and family, and set aside time for some relaxation besides your usual holiday activities. It may be more easily said than done, but being mindful and setting alcohol limits can go a long way in preventing holiday heart syndrome. Most cases go away on their own, but be sure to check in with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations. If you have serious or persistent symptoms, get immediate care at your local emergency room.
If you or someone you know struggles with substance use, help is available. Call the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-4357 to learn about resources in your area.
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References
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