What is holiday heart syndrome - and how could it affect your Christmas?

What is holiday heart syndrome?

Holiday heart syndrome occurs when your heart begins to beat abnormally - often too fast or with an irregular rhythm - after periods of heavy drinking.

For most people, it’s a short-lived episode of förmaksflimmer (AF), where your heart’s upper chambers beat out of sync with the lower ones, causing an uneven pulse.

Dr Asimah Hanif is an NHS and private GP based in London, UK. She explains that the good news is most people’s heart rhythm returns to normal within a day or two, once the effects of the alcohol have worn off.

“But if it happens repeatedly, or if you already have heart problems,” she warns. “It can sometimes lead to ongoing rhythm issues.”

Dr Asimah Hanif, NHS and Private GP, London, UK

It’s completely normal for your heart to speed up at times - whether you’re excited, have had a bit too much caffeine, or are feeling stressed. These everyday triggers can naturally make your heartbeat feel faster or more noticeable.

However, Hanif says that if your pulse feels irregular, keeps racing for more than a few minutes, or you feel breathless or faint, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

Hanif outlines the common signs of AF:

• A racing or fluttering heartbeat.

• Shortness of breath.

• Feeling dizzy or light-headed.

• Tightness or mild discomfort in your chest.

• Feeling unusually tired or generally unwell.

If you follow the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, you’re generally less likely to experience the harmful effects of alcohol - assuming you’re healthy and have no underlying medical conditions.

That said, it’s important for everyone to be aware of alcohol’s potential impact on their health, whether you drink occasionally or regularly.

Christmas and New Year are traditionally times when many of us feel free to spoil ourselves a little more than usual - especially when it comes to food or drink.

Hanif notes that back-to-back celebrations can stack up all the classic triggers for AF, making it more likely to affect you over the festive season.

These triggers may include:

• Large, often salty or rich meals.

• Late nights and disrupted sleep.

• Cold winter weather.

• Added stress from travel, family, or finances.

• Extra alcohol at parties.

“It’s easy to see why it’s called ‘holiday heart syndrome,’ says Hanif. “It tends to strike when our usual routines go out the window.

Holiday heart syndrome can affect anyone, even if their heart is otherwise healthy - especially after heavy or binge drinking, late nights, or periods of added stress.

However, as Hanif points out, people with certain underlying health conditions may be more susceptible.

AF is more likely to occur in those who already have:

• Högt blodtryck.

• Diabetes.

• A history of AF or other heart conditions.

• Older age.

“In these cases, alcohol is more likely to trigger a rhythm that doesn’t settle on its own,” says Hanif. “If your heart is healthy, the likelihood of an episode is low, though binge drinking can still provoke a one-off event.

“People with high blood pressure or diabetes are more susceptible, as alcohol adds extra strain to an already vulnerable heart. The chances are greatest for those with a history of AF, since alcohol is one of the most common triggers for recurrence.”

If you have heart palpitations or mild chest discomfort that passes quickly and you feel otherwise okay, rest and stay hydrated.

Hanif advises that you still inform your doctor, especially if it’s your first episode or if it has happened before.

In the meantime, if you notice your heart racing, fluttering, or skipping beats, she recommends you:

1. Stop drinking and sit somewhere calm.

2. Drink plenty of water or a rehydration drink.

3. Check your pulse - if it feels irregular or continues racing, it’s more than just anxiety.

Being aware of holiday heart syndrome doesn’t mean you have to skip all your festive treats. In fact, many health experts agree there’s value in allowing yourself the occasional indulgence. The key is to be mindful - pay attention to what you’re enjoying, how much you’re drinking compared to your usual habits, and any existing health conditions that the season could exacerbate. No one wants to dampen the Christmas spirit, but don’t let the festivities take a toll on your health.