What is Holiday Heart Syndrome? What are the key signs

This heart complication is directly associated with heavy alcohol consumption. This can occur without any other clinical evidence of heart condition.

It is one of the common causes of cardiovascular disease in the United States of America.

Increased binge drinking among youngsters is one of the main reasons behind Holiday Heart Syndrome.

Though the chances of developing this heart condition is possible during any part of the year, it is most commonly seen during Holiday season because during this time people usually indulge themselves with alcoholic drinks and high calorie snacks.

THe merry making is often coupled with high intake of food and drinks and people usually ignore the calorie intake assuming it to be the only time in the year where they should live life to its fullest.

This condition is mostly an alarm to put a halt on over consumption of food and drink but if ignored it can cause irreversible damage to the heart.

The common signs associated with this disease are:

heart palpitation

fatigue

feeling light headed

discomfort in the chest

shortness of breath

Holiday Heart syndrome, though is reversible in nature, is associated with several life threatening complications.

It can lead to a new cardiovascular complication or if left untreated can worsen the existing condition rapidly.

It can lead to life threatening arrhythmias and community acquired pneumonia.

This issue can lead to thromboembolism which is an obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot.

A Swedish study on the risk of myocardial infarction during national holidays, sports events, and various time periods with 16 years of data found that a higher risk was evident during Christmas and New Year holidays mostly.

"The association of higher risk at Christmas was more pronounced in people older than 75, those with known diabetes, and those with a history of coronary artery disease," it found.

"We observed a higher risk of myocardial infarction during Christmas/New Year and Midsummer holidays, but not at Easter. Sports events were not associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction. We observed a prominent peak incidence on calendar week 52, Mondays, and at 8 am," it added.

While enjoyment and merry making are essential during holidays, it is important to take care of your health as well.

Health experts say even if it is the time of the year where you need to relax you should not disturb your eating habits. Avoid consuming rich foods more, limit your drinks and above all stay calm.

Do not skip your exercises during this time.

After party precautions like taking sufficient rest, having medications if you are already prescribed some and consulting a doctor in case of issues is essential.

One of the positive sides of holidays is that during this time usually nobody is alone. So you should be aware of the symptoms not just for yourself but also for others. If you see the symptoms in someone, rush the person to a medical facility immediately.

Timely action can save a life.

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