A Memorial Health cardiologist says the potential for increased alcohol consumption over the holidays can lead to atrial fibrillation.
That's irregular heart rhythms, such as a faster or irregular beat, which can result in shortness of breath, dizziness or passing out.
"Holiday heart is sort of a nomenclature that people will jokingly use to refer to people who have drank too much alcohol, and it precipitates this atrial fibrillation arrhythmia, which is already common,” Dr. Matthew "Casey" Becker said.
He said 5% of people over 60 are affected and about double that for those over 75.
“Truly what I think is that if you already have a predilection to atrial fibrillation, if you already have it, or if you're inclined to get it because of the circuitry of your heart, sometimes a little something extra can tip you into it like alcohol, or stress, or lack of sleep," he said.
"So Holiday Heart Syndrome, is generally referred to in someone who's experienced in arrhythmia probably due to increased alcohol intake."
According to Memorial Health, the symptoms of atrial fibrillation should not be ignored. They can also be indicators that an individual is experiencing a stroke or heart attack.
