The holidays bring joy, family reunions, and festive meals. But they also bring an increase in emergency room visits for heart-related problems, particularly irregular heart rhythms known as Holiday Heart Syndrome (HHS).
This condition, first identified in medical literature decades ago, occurs when excessive alcohol intake, rich food, stress, and lack of rest trigger abnormal heart rhythms — even in people with no previous heart disease.
At Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC), cardiologists at the Heart Institute remind the public that celebrating responsibly is key to keeping the heart healthy all year round.
What Is Holiday Heart Syndrome?
Holiday Heart Syndrome is characterized by abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), most commonly atrial fibrillation, that appear during or after periods of heavy drinking or overeating. These episodes can cause:
- Palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fatigue or confusion
While the condition often resolves when the triggering factors stop, it can lead to serious complications such as heart failure or stroke if ignored.
Why It Happens
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but research points to several contributing factors:
- Alcohol consumption. Alcohol can disrupt electrical signals in the heart, alter electrolyte levels, and increase stress hormones — all of which can provoke arrhythmias.
- Overeating and high-sodium meals. Holiday food is often heavy in salt and fat, which raises blood pressure and fluid retention, placing extra strain on the heart.
- Alcohol and caffeine act as diuretics, reducing hydration and electrolyte balance — a key trigger for heart rhythm changes.
- Stress and lack of sleep. Emotional stress and sleep deprivation increase adrenaline and cortisol, putting the cardiovascular system on overdrive.
- Existing but undiagnosed heart disease. For many, the holidays reveal underlying cardiac issues that had gone unnoticed throughout the year.
Who’s at Risk
Anyone can experience Holiday Heart Syndrome, but certain groups face higher risk:
- Individuals over 40
- People with hypertension, diabetes, or obesity
- Smokers or heavy drinkers
- Those with a history of heart disease or arrhythmia
- People under extreme stress or fatigue
Even young, otherwise healthy adults have been known to develop arrhythmias after binge drinking.
How It’s Diagnosed
When a patient arrives at CGHMC with palpitations or chest discomfort, the Emergency and Cardiology teams work together to evaluate the cause promptly.
Diagnostic tests may include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – to assess heart rhythm
- Echocardiogram – to evaluate heart structure and function
- Blood tests – to check electrolyte levels, thyroid function, or cardiac enzymes
- 24-hour Holter monitoring – for patients with intermittent symptoms
These tests help distinguish Holiday Heart Syndrome from other conditions like heart attacks or valve problems.
What to Do If You Experience Symptoms
If you feel your heart racing or skipping beats after heavy drinking or eating, don’t ignore it.
- Sit down, rest, and stay calm.
- Avoid further alcohol or caffeine.
- Hydrate with water or electrolyte drinks.
- Seek immediate medical evaluation, especially if symptoms persist beyond 30 minutes or are accompanied by chest pain or dizziness.
CGHMC’s 24/7 Emergency Department and Heart Institute provide comprehensive cardiac care — from rapid ECG diagnostics to expert cardiology consultations and advanced interventions if needed.
Prevention: Keeping the Heart Healthy This Holiday
CGHMC’s cardiologists emphasize that prevention starts with moderation and awareness.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Stick to one to two drinks per day (or less if you have heart conditions).
- Drink slowly and alternate with water.
- Eat mindfully.
- Enjoy holiday food, but avoid binge eating.
- Choose more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein over fatty or salty dishes.
- Stay hydrated.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if consuming alcohol.
- Get enough rest.
- Sleep at least 7 hours per night to reduce cardiac stress.
- Manage stress.
- Practice relaxation, deep breathing, or light exercise to counter holiday fatigue.
- Don’t skip your medications.
- Continue prescribed maintenance drugs for hypertension, diabetes, or cholesterol.
- Schedule a check-up.
- Pre-holiday consultations with a cardiologist can identify risks before symptoms arise.
How CGHMC Supports Cardiac Wellness
The CGHMC Heart Institute provides comprehensive care for all cardiac conditions — from prevention and diagnostics to recovery and long-term management. Services include:
- Advanced cardiac imaging (Echocardiogram, CT Angiography, MRI)
- Arrhythmia diagnosis and management
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs
- Emergency response for heart attacks and rhythm disorders
- Patient education and lifestyle counseling
Through its multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, nurses, and dietitians, CGHMC promotes safe, sustainable heart health — not just during the holidays but all year long.
Celebrate Responsibly, Live Fully
The holidays should be a time for joy, not hospital visits. Listening to your body, managing your intake, and taking proactive steps toward heart wellness can make celebrations safer for everyone.
Whether you’re at home or out with loved ones, remember: your heart deserves the same care you give others this season.
For cardiac consultation or emergency care:
Call (02) 8711 4141 or visit https://cghmc.com.ph/health-service/heart-institute/ to schedule an appointment with the CGHMC Heart Institute.
