Holiday Heart Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
Your health doesn’t go on holiday; especially your heart. So, ensuring you have a healthy heart before and after the festive season is essential because your heart is one of the critical organs in your body. Although you might have indulged and engaged in excesses especially when it comes to food and drinks, the consequences of these could be less than merry. This is because of a rarely-known condition called holiday heart syndrome.
Holiday heart syndrome is a condition characterized by irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia that occurs following a period of binge drinking during weekends and holidays. Although the term “holiday heart” might not sound serious, this condition can lead to life-threatening consequences if not controlled. This article takes you through the causes, symptoms, and remedies of holiday heart syndrome.
Why Does Excessive Alcohol Consumption Lead To Holiday Heart Syndrome?
After consumption of alcohol, most people experience what is commonly called a hangover (when you have a splitting headache and might feel dizzy). Atrial fibrillation (a type of heart arrhythmia characterized by irregular heartbeat) can occur during hangovers than while drinking. This is because hangover triggers the suppression of a division of the nervous system called the parasympathetic nervous system.
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for resting and relaxing your body. Thus, when suppressed, it slows down the heart making it more likely to beat irregularly leading to atrial fibrillation. Additionally, consuming heavy meals increases excessive stimulation of the vagal nerve. This nerve controls specific body functions such as digestion, heart rate, and immune system functioning. This can lead to a rotation of rapid and slow beating of the heart. Also, eating large meals can increase blood levels of hormones that raise blood pressure and heart rate.
Other Causes of Holiday Heart Syndrome
Holiday heart syndrome is a result of a combination of other factors apart from excessive alcohol intake. These include;
- Overconsumption of fatty and salty foods
- Excessive intake of caffeine
- Overeating
- Stress from family gatherings or travel
- Dehydration
- Lack of sleep
What Are the Symptoms of This Condition?
The symptoms associated with holiday heart syndrome include;
- A feeling of fast-beating or pounding heart
- Shortness of breath during physical activities
- Unexplained weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Chest pain or discomfort
Remedies and How to Prevent Holiday Heart Syndrome
Remember that as each holiday season comes around, you’re a little older and your overall health might not be the same as the previous year. As you age, you can accumulate risk factors and become more likely to develop health issues you might not recognize. The following are some remedies to prevent holiday heart syndrome;
- Practice moderation: Binge drinking can occur at any time during celebrations even on weekends. Therefore, bear in mind that moderation is key; you don’t have to go over the line into excessive eating and drinking as it might take a toll on your internal organs.
- Fortify your heart health: You can do this by supplementing with NATURE’SFIELD CARDIOVIT which contains essential constituents that support healthy heart function. These constituents include CoQ10, lycopene, alpha lipoic acid, etc.
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
- Manage stress effectively during and after the holiday season.
The symptoms associated with holiday heart syndrome typically last 24 hours, but don’t assume it will get better on its own. And, so, if you do feel that your heart is racing during and after the holiday, without an underlying cause, you need to seek medical attention. Safeguarding your cardiovascular heart before and after the holidays with NATURE’SFIELD CARDIOVIT is a great step to ensure you stay healthy and prevent surprises.
