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This time of year, it’s easy to get wrapped up in holiday parties, food, drink and an endless list of errands. Unfortunately, in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, too many of us forget to prioritize our heart health. According to the American Heart Association, visits to the ER for cardiac events like heart attacks spike this time of year — especially between Christmas and New Year’s.
One to consider is “holiday heart syndrome,” which sometimes presents with an abrupt onset of atrial fibrillation (AFib) after drinking more alcohol than usual. The symptoms can be frightening, including rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, fainting, fatigue and heart palpitations. In many cases, the episode of AFib linked to holiday heart syndrome may resolve on its own. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk by being aware of the triggers and having an emergency plan if needed.
Know the Signs and Don’t Delay Care
This season, stay aware of any unusual symptoms you may experience, especially after drinking or eating a big meal. Always listen to your body. Signs of a heart attack or heart emergency include chest pain; discomfort in other parts of the body like arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; nausea; cold sweat; and lightheadedness. Many people try to delay addressing health problems around the holiday, often to avoid inconvenience during time with their families. But for many cardiac emergencies, the sooner you seek medical attention, the better your outcome. If you think you’re having a heart attack or any other emergency, call 911.
People also sometimes forget medication refills when the holidays get busy, during travel or when pharmacies are closed on holidays, but it’s important to plan ahead and take your medications as prescribed.
Don’t Binge Drink
The primary culprit in holiday heart is binge drinking. This typically occurs when men have more than five servings of alcohol in a two-hour span or women have more than four drinks in the same time period. Alcohol not only causes blood pressure to rise but can affect the heart’s rhythm. This puts us at risk for AFib symptoms and can even trigger a heart attack for those with underlying or undiagnosed heart issues.
It’s important to note that the effects can last beyond the time you’re binge drinking. In fact, a Harvard research review found that binge drinking six or more drinks in one night may raise a person’s risk of heart-related events for an entire week after consumption. If you’re going to drink alcohol, moderation is key. Note that even moderate regular alcohol consumption in the range of one to two drinks per day has a significant increase on the incidence of atrial fibrillation. For best heart health, I recommend zero to one drink per day and never exceeding two drinks in a day.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
It may be tempting to overindulge during the holidays, but consuming large amounts of food high in saturated and trans-fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars can put your heart at risk. The few extra pounds gained over the holiday year after year could have a lasting effect. Obesity is a known risk factor for heart attacks. One tip I always suggest is that before you put food on your plate, analyze your options and choose which foods you will eat or skip. Remember, everything is in moderation. You can still enjoy your favorite holiday food while eating smart.
Take Breaks to Manage Stress
The holidays usually bring heightened stress levels amidst all of the shopping, cooking and entertaining guests. These activities can raise blood pressure and set off a “fight or flight” response in the body that’s hard on the heart. That’s why taking time to relax, exercise and de-stress is a top priority during the holidays.
Enjoy the holiday season to the fullest by committing to your heart health. Be mindful of possible heart symptoms, manage your diet, medications and stress, and never delay care if you need it. Visit ascension.org/jaxheart to learn more.
Dr. Anthony Magnano is a Ponte Vedra resident and chief of cardiology at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside.
