Why Holiday Heart Syndrome is a risk for all age groups

Yuletide and New Year mean the popping of champagne bottles and merrymaking late into the night. But experts caution about the

Holiday Heart Syndrome

(HHS) triggered by

binge drinking

during these times. Dr Pravin Kahale, cardiologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, talks to Lata Mishra on keeping the heart safe this festive season.
What is Holiday Heart Syndrome? And what’s binge drinking got to do with it?
It refers to an irregular and often rapid heartbeat (primarily atrial fibrillation) that occurs after excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol stimulates heart tissue and makes electrical impulses in the heart speed up to cause irregular rhythms. Binge drinking means consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, which overwhelms the heart’s electrical system. It can trigger

atrial fibrillation

, especially in young people or those with underlying conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Binge drinking, combined with stress, an unhealthy lifestyle and inadequate sleep can significantly heighten the risks of HHS.
What are the symptoms?

Palpitations, dizziness, a choking sensation or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate (120-130 beats per minute), a fluttering feeling or irregular heartbeat — these symptoms often occur shortly after bingeing or during stressful, sleep-deprived conditions. They may overlap with other cardiac symptoms, but what sets HHS apart is the binge drinking episode prior to the symptoms. An ECG and proper medical consultation is required to rule out other cardiac issues and confirm diagnosis.

Can it be triggered by a single episode or chronic use?
Both are possible. Chronic alcohol use in a regular drinker is a risk factor. However, it has also been seen that a sporadic binge-drinking episode can cause HHS even in a young person or someone with a prior cardiac abnormality. It may take as many as 6-8 drinks for a 20-year-old to exhibit symptoms, while a 75-year-old who is already diseased may present symptoms after two or three drinks. In the past few months, there were one or two instances of young, healthy individuals having very fast heart rates after binge drinking as well.
Is there a ‘safe limit’? How can you minimise HHS risks in the holiday season?
According to the World Health Organisation, there’s no safe amount of alcohol. Guidelines suggest moderation, which boils down to one drink per day for women and two for men. Individual tolerance varies based on age, existing health conditions, and lifestyle. Those with pre-existing conditions should consult a doctor as even moderate amounts can be harmful. During holiday season, people should avoid binge drinking and stay hydrated. Avoid excessive salt and caffeine, particularly with alcohol. Those with heart conditions or other risk factors should exercise extra caution or avoid alcohol altogether.