Holiday Heart Syndrome And Stroke
Have you ever heard of the holiday heart syndrome? This is a syndrome that was discovered many years ago when it became apparent that heavy alcohol consumption increased the risk of developing an abnormality in the heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation. Later it was realized that a larger than expected proportion of people, even healthy people without heart disease, developed atrial fibrillation while on vacation, or during the holidays, and this unexpected increase was tied to heavier-than-normal alcohol consumption. Thus the increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation after heavy alcohol consumption came to be known as the holiday heart syndrome.
What does this have to do with stroke? People with atrial fibrillation, even if transient, have an increased risk of stroke by comparison with people who have a normal heart rhythm. This happens because in atrial fibrillation the heart’s upper chambers contract irregularly and ineffectively, allowing blood to pool and form blood clots. Sometimes those blood clots migrate to the brain and cause embolic strokes.
Normally, atrial fibrillation goes away on its own after heavy alcohol consumption is stopped. However, it can last long enough to cause symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. If you experience these symptoms during this holiday season, make sure to visit your doctor promptly. Don't forget, each moment that goes by in your life with atrial fibrillation is a moment you live with an increased risk of stroke.
.This holiday season stay away from increasing your risk of stroke by consuming alcohol in moderation.
Recommended reading:What is a stroke?
Alcohol, drugs and stroke
Are you at risk of stroke?
Comments
i believe holiday heart is true i went into atrial fib after heavy drinking and the next mornin woke up and threw up sending my heart into atrial fib 3 times now
Yes, Holiday Heart Syndrome is most-definitely real. It’s wierd, because if I throw up also, it throws my heart into a chaotic fit of Atrial Fibrillation. Don’t know what it is about throwing up that would cause the heart to do this. I have Mitral valve prolapse too, and I think the alcohol aggrivates it, but I’m fine until I throw up. I get so paranoid about it if I have the stomach flu.