Holiday Heart Syndrome: A Brewing Danger of Alcohol-Induced Atrial Fibrillation
Binge drinking can have severe consequences, including a life-threatening heart condition called atrial fibrillation. Also known as holiday heart syndrome, this term was coined in 1978 after doctors noticed a spike in patients presenting to emergency departments with the condition on Mondays following a weekend of binge drinking.
According to recent research, two-thirds of people under 65 who experience atrial fibrillation have their arrhythmia caused by excessive alcohol consumption. A study published in the European Heart Journal found that binge drinkers are at risk of developing atrial fibrillation, which can lead to palpitations, breathlessness, and fatigue.
So, what exactly causes atrial fibrillation after drinking? Researchers suggest that the suppression of the parasympathetic nervous system plays a critical role. This system helps regulate heart rate and is responsible for “resting and digesting” functions in the body. When it’s suppressed, the heart beats irregularly, leading to atrial fibrillation.
The German study also found that episodes of atrial fibrillation can have long-term health consequences, even in younger people. However, research suggests that abstaining from alcohol significantly reduces the condition’s recurrence.
National guidelines recommend healthy adults drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week, while experts advise consuming even less if you have any kind of heart arrhythmia. The key takeaway is that moderate drinking can be hazardous to those with electrical heart problems, making it essential to reassess the concept that alcohol is good for the heart.
Hangover anxiety and atrial fibrillation can sometimes be mistaken for one another, but experts note that the heart may feel like it’s “racing” during anxiety, whereas in atrial fibrillation, the heartbeat feels irregular. If you’re unsure about your symptoms, consult a doctor or visit the emergency department if you experience breathlessness, light-headedness, or an uncontrollable heartbeat.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2024-12-13/holiday-heart-syndrome-arrhythmia-atrial-fibrillation-alcohol/104578996