For some people, holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, celebrating traditions — and having a few more drinks than usual.
A little holiday cheer typically sounds harmless. But Mayo Clinic experts say that those extra cocktails may be harder on your health than you think.
Just one night of heavy drinking can cause atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of irregular heartbeat. When triggered by alcohol, AFib is known as "holiday heart syndrome." Symptoms include:
- A pounding or racing heart.
- Exhaustion.
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
Holiday heart syndrome is more common in people who have a heart condition or regularly drink 5 or more alcoholic drinks at a time. But it can happen to anyone. For some people, it just takes 1 or 2 drinks to trigger an episode of AFib.
More than a hangover
The symptoms of holiday heart syndrome may start while you are drinking or hours after you stop. They can be so frightening that many people go to the emergency department, thinking they're having a heart attack.
In most cases, a healthcare professional will do bloodwork and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or chest X-ray to rule out a heart attack or another serious condition.
Treatment for mild holiday heart syndrome may include hydration, electrolytes and vitamins. You may need to have an IV to help deliver these treatments in a vein.
Common doesn't mean harmless
Holiday heart syndrome should be taken seriously. Even brief episodes of AFib caused by drinking can increase your risk of stroke and serious heart problems.
Plus, long-term alcohol use can cause other health conditions like cancer and liver disease. Drinking too much also can weaken your heart muscles and increase your risk of sudden death if you have heart disease.
Given the risks, most health experts recommend limiting or completely cutting out alcohol.
How to celebrate without overdoing it
There's no safe amount of alcohol to completely prevent the risk of holiday heart syndrome. But you don't have to skip the party. You can celebrate and keep your heart healthy, whether you decide to limit your drinking or stop completely. Here's how.
- Set a limit for the night. Before you start celebrating, decide how many alcoholic drinks, if any, you're going to have. Moderate drinking is typically 1 drink a day for women or 2 for men. Ask a partner or loved one to help you stick to your limit.
- Start with water. If you're going to be sipping all night, start with a glass of water. Drink another glass in between any alcoholic beverages you have.
- Mix up a mocktail. Going alcohol-free doesn't have to be boring. Mix ginger ale and pineapple juice for a refreshing nonalcoholic cocktail. Or sip on a bubbly seltzer with fruit.
- Sip, don't gulp. If you have a drink, enjoy it. Don't try to keep up with others.
- Keep busy. Play a game, take charge of the music or help serve food. Having a task can help you drink less.
- Pay attention to joy. There's plenty to enjoy at a party, even without a drink in hand. The company of loved ones, good music and a relaxing atmosphere are there for your enjoyment — no alcohol required.