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The hustle and bustle of the holidays can bring unexpected medical concerns, including a syndrome known as holiday heart. The National Institute of Health says, “Holiday heart syndrome typically refers to atrial fibrillation induced by binge alcohol consumption, frequently observed during long weekends, vacations, and holidays. The most common symptom that patients present with is palpitations. Symptoms of palpitations can be transient or persistent.”
But beyond this particular syndrome, several studies have shown that the incidence of heart attack and stroke increases in December and January. The top three days for heart attacks are Christmas Day, December 26th, and New Year’s Day. In addition, it is also stroke season. Most occur between November and February, which also includes the holidays.
It’s the time of year when we often find ourselves at holiday parties where plenty of alcohol and high-fat foods are offered. Overindulging in spiked eggnog and rich buttery cookies can lead to more than indigestion; it can lead to holiday heart syndrome when overeating and overindulging in alcohol leads to an irregular heartbeat. And it’s not just one meal or one party but a round of eating, drinking, and being merry that sets this time of year apart from the rest of the year.
To minimize the risk of an unexpected visit to the emergency room, Kevin Barrett, M.D., vascular neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida and co-director of the Mayo Clinic Primary Stroke Center, offers these tips:
- Reduce stress.
- Eat and drink in moderation. Have a small snack or meal before a gathering to help avoid overindulgence.
- Be vigilant with medication.
- Exercise—and get rest.
- Know the symptoms of heart attack (which may include the common chest pain but also more subtle signs, such as unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, and neck, back, or shoulder pain, especially in women) and stroke, and don’t delay in seeking medical attention.
Taking time to be mindful of stress, heart attack, and stroke triggers can hopefully help safeguard an enjoyable and pleasant holiday season.
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