With the Christmas season in full swing and the big day just a few days away, health experts have issued an urgent warning over a condition which can lead to serious complications.
The festive season is synonymous with eating copious amounts of food, drinking and being merry. However, doctors urge people to be wary of over-indulging, particularly in relation to alcohol consumption, due to life-threatening health problems.
One particular condition concerning experts is known as 'holiday heart syndrome' which can occur from drinking too much.
Also known as atrial fibrillation (AFib), the syndrome causes irregular heartbeats and an abnormally fast heart rate. This occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat rapidly and irregularly.
Symptoms of this include a pounding heart, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, lightheadness, shortness of breath and weakness.
Holiday heart syndrome presents itself in people who suffer from other heart conditions already, such as congenital heart disease, pericarditis and high blood pressure. However, it can also be brought on by binge drinking.
Dr. Amir Lotfi of the Heart & Vascular Program at Baystate Medical Centre said: "An unusually heavy meal such as one the holidays are known for, or at any time of the year, can put additional stress on the heart as your meal is digested, and overeating and over-drinking can increase your blood pressure and heart rate."
Baystate Health adds that excessive amounts of caffeine and fatty meals which contain salt also contributes to the condition.
AFib is nicknamed holiday heart syndrome as it typically occurs around the festive period, holidays and long weekends.
Dr Lotfi has expressed concern for those who avoid seeking help during the Christmas period due to not wanting to ruin the holiday. However, if left untreated, AFib can cause blood clots in your blood circulation.
He said: "All too often, people wait to decide to go to the emergency room because they don't want to ruin the holiday for others, putting them at risk for greater consequences."
