How to Prevent Holiday Heart Syndrome

It’s no secret that salty, fatty foods and alcohol aren’t exactly heart healthy. While eating and drinking too much can occur any time of year, rich dishes and festive cocktails tend to be abundant around the holidays.  

Going overboard on food and drinks can cause your heart to beat irregularly. In the short term, it can simply be a side effect of a bit too much celebrating and resolve on its own. But too much overindulging can lead to serious heart issues, including heart rhythm disorders. In some cases, it can increase the risk of complications such as heart failure or stroke, particularly for people with underlying heart conditions.  

This pattern of binge eating or heavy drinking around festive gatherings is often called holiday heart syndrome. It refers to sudden heart rhythm problems — especially atrial fibrillation (Afib) — that occur in otherwise healthy people after overindulging, most commonly during the holiday season. 

“Statistically people eat and drink more over the holidays, and there are a lot of things that are known to affect heart health,” says Poulina Uddin, MD, a cardiologist at Scripps Clinic Anderson Medical Pavilion in La Jolla. 

“Alcohol, caffeine and fatty, sugary foods are known inflammatory triggers and increase the risk of arrhythmias, palpitations, and for people who are prone to congestive heart failure, it exacerbates the condition,” she says.  

Scripps physicians take each patient’s heart health seriously. Scripps cardiologists work to diagnose and treat conditions of the heart and vascular system using evidence-based techniques and state-of-the-art technology. Scripps is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals for cardiology and heart surgery. 

In her practice, Dr. Uddin emphasizes prevention and promotes risk reduction through healthy lifestyle choices. Here, she shares five easy tips to help keep your heart healthy through the new year and beyond.  

Stress can exacerbate heart conditions, like hypertension and AFib, and can even lead to a heart attack.  

Overindulgence and celebration tend to go hand-in-hand. Be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking and remember that it’s OK to turn down a treat or to be the first one to leave.  

Alcohol, caffeinated drinks and sugary beverages are plentiful during the holiday season, and many people choose them over plain water. Dehydration can trigger certain arrhythmias, lightheadedness and fainting.  

Try to keep a regular sleep and exercise schedule, even when traveling.  

There’s no time like the present to take charge of your health and protect your heart.  

This content appeared in San Diego Health, a publication in partnership between Scripps and San Diego Magazine that celebrates the healthy spirit of San Diego.