Drinking moderately can help avoid 'holiday heart syndrome'
Holiday heart syndrome is heart rhythm problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption which is hallmark of holiday season especially during time for celebration.
December brings a notable bump in the number of patients who show up at hospital emergency rooms with what’s known unofficially as holiday heart syndrome -heart rhythm problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption, said Sharon Reimold, M.D., Professor and Vice Chair for Clinical Operations and Faculty Development in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
“It’s common for people to go to multiple parties during this time of year. You go to one party and have a drink or two, go to the next party and have a couple more. It’s the cumulative effect of alcohol that can put you at risk, sending your heart into atrial fibrillation,” noted Dr. Reimold, who is a cardiologist.
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular and rapid contraction of the upper chambers of the heart. The most common symptoms include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, chest pain, heart palpitations, and a feeling that the heart is beating much faster than normal. AFib is associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart failure.
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