What Is Holiday Heart Syndrome? Cardiologists Explain the Seasonal Risk

Behind the twinkling lights and packed dinner tables, doctors say a lesser-known health risk tends to surface this time of year. Knowing what to look out for could make all the difference.

As the holiday season fast approaches, many are looking forward to reuniting with their loved ones and indulging in their favorite festive treats together.

However, between the lavish dinners, office parties, and family gatherings, this is also the time of year to make sure we don't go overboard, as doing so can raise the risk of holiday heart syndrome.

You may have heard the term thrown around before, but what exactly is it? "Holiday heart is the development oftentimes of either cardiac rhythm disturbances or heart failure around the holidays," says Luke Laffin, MD, a preventive cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Laffin explained that the signs of holiday heart syndrome can include palpitations, exhaustion and difficulty breathing. Although it can happen to anyone, people living with high blood pressure or diabetes, as well as those over 65, face the greatest risk.

The cardiologist named overindulgence as one of the main culprits behind the rise in heart issues over the festive season. With many people eating and drinking more than usual this time of year, the heart is put under extra pressure.

Dr. Amy Pollak, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, shares a similar view. "In the cardiology world, 'holiday heart' actually refers to this effect of the stress of too much alcohol, too much salt, higher blood pressure on the heart," says Dr. Pollak.

"Even for people who are normally careful about their salt, alcohol, and caloric intake, that caution tends to go out the window during holiday celebrations, which can be dangerous," adds Dr. William J. Prabhu, a cardiologist and associate director of the cardiac catheterization lab at NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital.

Dr. Pollak noted that all that strain on the heart can trigger an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.

"And, for some people, it feels like their heart is racing out of their chest," she explains. "Their heart is just beating vigorously. For other folks, they just feel some irregularity — tired, short of breath, just wiped out, no energy."

It's a condition that can even lead to a stroke. "So atrial fibrillation is something that is serious," Dr. Pollak notes.

"And, so, if you do feel that your heart is racing around the holidays, and it's not just from seeing someone underneath the mistletoe, but your heart is racing from irregularity, or you're feeling short of breath, any type of chest discomfort, overly fatigued, you really need to seek medical attention," she says.

To keep holiday heart at bay, it's best to go easy on salty snacks and alcohol, while still filling up on the foods that keep us healthy. "Make sure you are consuming enough fruits and vegetables," Dr. Laffin said. "You also want to make sure you're drinking plenty of water. If all we're having is eggnog and champagne, that's a problem."

Dr. Prabhu says the key is moderation. You can (and should) still have fun and celebrate with loved ones, just without crossing the line into excess.

He adds that while it may be tempting to avoid disrupting the celebrations, but these warning signs should never be brushed aside, nor should a visit to the doctor be postponed. Putting off treatment during the holidays can prove deadly, so anyone who notices these symptoms should seek medical help immediately.