Rest for everyone, the holidays are coming. Finally, that’s what you hoped by releasing the pressure. But beware: vacation in certain forms can also stress your heart.
A very real phenomenon, often underestimated
The “heart heart syndrome” is a heart rate disorder, mainly triggered by excessive consumption of alcohol over a short period-typically during the holidays, prolonged weekends or parties. It even affects people without heart history.
“It is a well-known phenomenon in emergency cardiology: after an evening or a festive weekend, we see patients arriving with palpitations, a heart that gets carried away or becomes irregular, without any particular history”, explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical.
This syndrome, identified in the 1970s, remains largely underestimated by the general public.
A multifactorial origin: when alcohol, stress and excess are tangled
Indeed on vacation, several factors are gathered to lead your heart to Rude
The direct toxic effect of alcohol
Alcohol, consumed in large quantities, disturbs the electrical system of the heart. He interferes with the transmission of cardiac signals, which can cause rhythm disorders such as palpitations or ear fibrillations.
“Alcohol has a direct toxic effect on the heart, it disturbs its electrical system, promotes dehydration and imbalances essential electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium”underlines Dr. Kierzek.
A period conducive to excess
Holidays are also often marked by a break in habits: rich meals, irregular sleep, intense activities, or even logistical stress. All these elements can increase the load on the heart.
“We tend to believe that the holidays are only beneficial, but they can also rhyme with excess of all kinds: alcohol, diet, fatigue … and this cocktail is not trivial for the cardiovascular system”he warned.
A more marked risk in some people
Syndrome particularly affects occasional drinkers who, over a few days, brutally increase their alcohol consumption. But it can also occur in people with cardiovascular history.
“It is not only a question of quantity of alcohol. What is dangerous is the brutality of consumption, especially in those who rarely drink” Specifies Dr. Kierzek. “And obviously, in people with cardiac history, the risk is even greater.”
Holiday heart syndrome: What are the signs to watch?
Some symptoms should alert, especially if they appear after an excess period:
- Unusual palpitations or irregular heartbeat of the heart;
- Sensation of sudden fatigue or shortness of breath;
- Dizziness;
- Chest pain (rarer, but to take seriously).
Prevention rather than cure: good reflexes to adopt
The good news is that this syndrome can easily be avoided with a little common sense.
“It is not a question of banning alcohol or the pleasures of the holidays, but of staying moderate. Avoid punctual excesses, hydrate yourself well, and do not mix alcohol and energy drinks, which are a real delay bomb”advises Dr. Kierzek.
Here are some simple recommendations:
- Moderate your alcohol consumption : no “binge-drinking”;
- Regularly : water + alcohol = less risks;
- Limit dangerous mixtures (alcohol + caffeine or energy drinks);
- Respect your biological rhythm : Sufficient sleep, balanced diet, gentle physical activity;
- Consult in the event of cardiac historybefore departure on vacation if necessary.
As sums up by Dr. Kierzek: “Take advantage of your vacation, but in moderation. Your heart needs rest, not a festive marathon “.