How to avoid holiday heart syndrome

Almost every Filipino family’s Christmas and New Year spreads include alcoholic beverages, from beers to wines, which they bond and share stories over. But the health department has warned against binge drinking to avoid holiday heart syndrome.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), a person with holiday heart syndrome experiences irregular heartbeat or palpitations caused by binge drinking.

A 2021 DOH study showed that four in 10 Filipino adults reported that they “drank alcohol in the 30 days prior to the survey,” and that men had “higher rates of heavy drinking occasions compared to women.”

It added that one in three Filipino adults said they consume at least six alcoholic beverages in one drinking occasion.

Based on a 2023 National Nutrition Survey, two in 10 Filipinos aged 10 to 19 are already alcohol drinkers.

Drinking has been part of the Filipino culture. Men and women, adults and, unfortunately, even adolescents use alcohol to celebrate achievements and to socialize.

But excessive drinking may lead to holiday heart syndrome and here’s what you need to know about it.

Symptoms

Besides an irregular heartbeat, the DOH explained that symptoms of holiday heart syndrome include a rapid or pounding heartbeat, dizziness, breathing difficulty, fatigue, and chest tightness.

Factors that may also contribute to holiday heart syndrome, according to the DOH, are eating salty and fatty foods, lack of rest, and stress — which are prevalent during Christmas and New Year festivities.

These factors can affect the heart’s rhythm and may also cause one’s blood pressure to elevate.

Hence, the syndrome can be experienced even by someone with no heart illness because of a sudden change in lifestyle or habits during the holidays.

Prevention

Regulating drinking habits can prevent the syndrome, the DOH said. But how much exactly is enough to avoid holiday heart syndrome?

The DOH said: “No amount of alcohol comes without risks.”

According to the World Health Organization, “when it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount that does not affect health.”

The DOH advised the public to eat fruits and vegetables. It also encouraged exercising for 30 minutes a day to help improve one’s health.

Addressing holiday heart syndrome

When a person is already experiencing symptoms of holiday heart syndrome, he or she should immediately rest. If symptoms persist, the person should consult a doctor or go to the nearest hospital.

In the event that there is chest tightness or breathing difficulty, the person should seek help through emergency hotline 911 or DOH hotline 1555.

The DOH said holiday heart syndrome increases the risk of a stroke and acute coronary syndrome, a condition when blood flow to the heart is reduced due to a blockage in a coronary artery.

During last year’s DOH monitoring, 103 individuals in eight hospitals suffered a stroke from December 22 to 30. Of the patients, two died.

In the same period in 2024, 62 people experienced acute coronary syndrome in eight hospitals; one of them died.

For a healthy holiday, the DOH told the public to avoid excesses in drinking, eating, smoking, and stress. – Rappler.com