Alcohol big factor in holiday heart syndrome, doctors warn
KOMO••health
Key Points:
- Doctors warn that holiday heart syndrome, a heart rhythm disturbance triggered by factors like heavy drinking, overeating, stress, travel, and lack of sleep, is common but preventable during the holiday season.
- The condition often presents as palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest, which can be harmless but may indicate atrial fibrillation (A-fib), increasing risks of stroke, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy if untreated.
- Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor, with five drinks a day raising the risk of A-fib by nearly 50%; symptoms typically appear 12 to 36 hours after drinking and include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- People can reduce their
.png)
