Sweet, salty and boozy: A recipe for holiday heart syndrome

The holiday season is here, and we know what that means…

It’s a time of celebrations and social gatherings, time with friends and family, and, of course, enjoying good food and, yes, good drink.

One of my favorite things about this time of year is that it’s ok to enjoy treats that I normally keep to a bare minimum the rest of the year — and to “make merry and bright” and raise a glass with friends.

But while it is perfectly fine to enjoy these tasty indulgences, to a degree, over-indulging has the potential to make the happiest time of the year, the scariest.

In fact, the alcohol, sweets and salty savory treats could leave you with a permanent heart condition…

Holiday heart syndrome

Holiday heart syndrome — a condition that includes atrial fibrillation (AFib) or irregular heartbeat, is associated with “binge” drinking.

In other words, drinking just 4 to 5 alcoholic drinks in a short period of time can lead to AFib and increase the risk for blood clots, stroke, heart failure and even heart attacks.

According to Blake Smith, M.D., a cardiac electrophysiologist at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Cardiovascular Institute, the syndrome was first recognized about 50 years ago.

“It was noted that multiple patients were being hospitalized with cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, after binge drinking alcohol. These events were noted to be more frequent around weekends and holidays when people are more prone to binge drinking,” explains Smith.

In other words, you may go weeks, even months without an alcoholic beverage, but spending several hours at a holiday party and having a few drinks can add up to trouble. Here’s why…

Increased alcohol consumption causes changes in the molecular signaling in the heart and abnormalities in the way the heart handles calcium which can trigger irregular heartbeat. It also leads to electrolyte disturbances, not to mention the direct toxic effects alcohol has on heart tissue.

It’s an unintended recipe for disaster, but the problem can be compounded…

Large meals that taste so good but are so bad

While drinking too much can trigger holiday heart syndrome, enjoying too much of those incredible holiday foods high in sodium and saturated fats can also set off AFib, as well as other heart conditions.

In fact, research has shown that consuming large meals can:

• Stimulate the vagal nerve, the nerve responsible for controlling your digestion, but also your heart rate.
• Boost levels of hormones in your blood that increase your heart rate and blood pressure.
• Elevate the risk of heart attack by almost four times within just two hours after eating.

Clearly, it’s not only the alcohol we need to take a moderate approach to during the holiday — but the food too.

Symptoms of holiday heart syndrome

If you’re suffering from AFib caused by holiday heart syndrome, you’re going to feel off and notice some definite symptoms…

This first is a sudden onset of palpitations. Your heart may feel like it’s racing in your chest or beating irregularly.  These fast or irregular beats can come and go or happen continuously.

Additional symptoms can include dizziness and shortness of breath. When you’re in AFib, you can also experience chest pain, especially if your heart rate is extremely high.

It’s important to note that doctors recommend that anyone who experiences severe symptoms or symptoms that last for more than a few minutes should seek medical attention.

While AFib caused by holiday heart syndrome often resolves within 12-24 hours after stopping alcohol, you should follow up with your doctor as soon as possible. Some people will require treatment with medications to slow their heart rate, a cardioversion procedure to restore normal rhythm, or blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke.

Having a heart-healthy holiday season

The good news is that you can have a heart-healthy and enjoyable holiday season…

“While enjoying the holidays is important, moderation is key to keeping it heart-healthy,” Smith said. “Staying hydrated and not neglecting regular physical activity will also help.”

Research has shown that people who averaged between 2.5 and 5 hours of exercise per week, the minimum amount recommended by the American Heart Association, had a 60 percent reduced risk of developing AFib. Those who averaged greater than 5 hours of exercise per week showed a slightly greater risk reduction of 65 percent.

Smith recommends limiting alcohol to one drink per day for women, or two drinks per day for men, not overeating and keeping fatty, sugary and salty foods to a minimum.