Holiday Heart Syndrome: Medical condition caused by excess consumption of food and alcohol
Valley Central
By Abril Preciado
December 25, 2017
Holiday festivities are underway, and that means plenty of food and drinks.
But, can those drinks cause you to have a heart attack?
During the season of celebration, many doctors warn that consuming an excessive amount of alcohol can result in a negative health effect known as Holiday Heart Syndrome.
“It’s associated to binge drinking or excessive alcohol intake and the result of that is an abnormal heart rhythm that will develop from that in usually in apparently healthy individuals,” said Dr. Meg Gayum of Exceptional Emergency Center.
Symptoms of the syndrome include heart fluttering and shortness of breath, along with feelings of panic and anxiety.
Gayum says when you binge drink an excessive amount that your body is not used to, your body can experience serious effects that is a risk factor for those with pre-existing heart conditions.
To avoid being victim of holiday heart syndrome, Gayum recommends staying hydrated and drinking in moderation.