Holiday Heart Syndrome: What is it? How Can You Prevent It?

By Anna Jones UAB News The holiday season can be a time filled with friends, family and, of course, holiday food and beverages. While it is perfectly fine to indulge in one’s favorite food and beverages this holiday season, it is best to avoid overindulging in these items, which can potentially lead to a condition known as holiday heart syndrome — also known as atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat that is associated with binge drinking. AFib caused by holiday heart syndrome can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and even heart attacks. One expert in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Cardiovascular Disease is offering some of their top tips on how to avoid holiday heart syndrome and enjoy a heart-healthy holiday season. Causes “The term ‘holiday heart syndrome’ was first described almost 50 years ago,” said Blake Smith, M.D., a cardiac electrophysiologist at the UAB Cardiovascular Institute. “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.” With increased alcohol consumption, there are changes in the...