The holiday heart syndrome, also known as alcohol-induced atrial arrhythmias, is defined by an abrupt cardiac rhythm and/or conduction abnormality linked to substantial ethanol intake in a person who does not otherwise have any other clinical signs of heart disease. Your heart may beat irregularly as a result of all that salt and alcohol, a condition known as atrial fibrillation (or AFib).
The reason it's named holiday heart syndrome is because we tend to overindulge during the holidays, when everyone is cheering and there is an endless supply of salty snacks and joyful drinks.
Palpitations of the heart: An abrupt fluttering, thumping, or racing sensation in the chest.
Feeling low on energy or overly exhausted.
Unsteadiness: Having a dizzy or faint feeling.
Chest discomfort: Chest ache, pressure, or discomfort.
Shortness of breath: Having trouble breathing while moving around or even when at rest.
Book an appointment with your Cardiologist if you experience any of these symptoms or call the emergency number right away if you experience any chest pain or discomfort.
Chronic excessive ethanol consumption causes structural and cellular alterations in the heart by accumulating ethanol and its metabolites.
The most extensively studied metabolite is acetaldehyde, which is produced by the liver along with other chemicals. It is believed to cause oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell death, reduce the effectiveness of molecules that protect against heart disease, alter protein synthesis, and affect calcium transport.
The physical examination is simpler. An atrial arrhythmia may be detected during the cardiac exam.
Elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and white blood cell count in the complete blood count (CBC) (WBC).
Complete metabolic panel (CMP): widespread increase in liver function tests or AST/ ALT ratio (2:1) (LFTs).
Blood alcohol content
Urine exams: Find biomarkers for alcohol oxidation, such as ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulphate (EtS).
An atrial arrhythmia is detected by cardiac monitoring or an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Cardiomegaly may be visible on chest x-rays.
An echocardiogram should be done to check for structural problems and gauge heart performance.
Your Cardiologist will attempt to rule out any alternate possible explanations of the presenting symptoms during the diagnosis in order to make an accurate determination.
• Cardioversion is advised if the patient has atrial fibrillation and is unstable.
• Arrhythmia treatment is indicated therapeutically if the patient is stable.
Prevention
Don't drink too much: Limiting your daily alcohol intake to no more than 80 mg can prevent irreversible heart abnormalities. Avoid foods that are highly salted, sugared, or creamed.
Have a strategy: Having a smaller breakfast and lunch if you know you'll be eating a large supper that night, or eating before you attend a holiday event, to avoid the temptation to overindulge.
Keep moving: Engaging in regular exercise helps you stay healthy, relieve stress, and burn calories. This will reduce the likelihood of developing chronic cardiac issues.
Relax.
Even if you want to indulge in all the delicious meals and beverages this time of year has to offer, avoiding holiday heart syndrome isn't that difficult. Planning and practising moderation are the two most important things to remember.
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