Excessive Alcohol Use Linked to Heart Condition Around the Holidays
12/20/2022
A local Lutheran heart specialist wants to remind everyone to practice moderation this season to avoid “holiday heart syndrome,” which can occur in healthy adults without existing heart conditions due to excessive drinking.
“Holiday heart syndrome” is actually atrial fibrillation (AFib) brought on by binge drinking and commonly diagnosed around the winter holidays. AFib is an irregular and sometimes rapid heart rhythm that if left untreated can lead to blood clots or strokes. Symptoms of AFib include a racing heartbeat that can feel like a flutter or quiver, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain. Holiday heart syndrome is reversible. But if heavy drinking persists, the risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease and heart failure increases.
“Holiday heart syndrome is something we should all take seriously as we head into this season of festive parties and family get-togethers,” said Dr. Jason Rodriguez, a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist with Lutheran Health Physicians. “Drinking too much even just a few times a year puts excess strain on your heart, can cause long-term cardiovascular conditions and also increases the risk of developing diseases like cancer and obesity.”
Regular heavy drinking (more than seven drinks for women and 14 for men in a week) and binge drinking (consuming five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women on a single occasion) can lead to ongoing high blood pressure, increased irregular heart rate and weakened heart muscles. Eliminating alcohol abuse would result in over 34,000 fewer heart attacks, 73,000 fewer atrial fibrillation cases and 91,000 fewer patients with congestive heart failure, according to the American College of Cardiology.
To cut down on drinking, Dr. Rodriguez recommends people consider removing alcohol from their home; picking several days a week to abstain altogether; and if they choose to have an alcoholic beverage, to drink slowly and stick to no more than one drink for women and two for men in a day. If efforts to cut back don’t work, it may be time to speak with a healthcare professional.
“The healthiest option for your heart is to go alcohol-free. But if the idea of enjoying holidays without a fancy adult beverage in-hand is difficult, I encourage patients to consider one of the many alcohol-free alternatives available,” Dr. Rodriguez added. “And if you do still choose to drink, please practice moderation. It’s a gift for your heart.”
To learn about heart care services available throughout Lutheran Health Network or to book an appointment, visit lutheranhealth.net/cardiac-care or call (866) 546-4968.
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