Summary: Why does heavy alcohol consumption cause "Holiday Heart Syndrome"?Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, there are a lot of reasons to celebrate.Unfortunately, it is often a time when many people end up going to the ER due to "holiday heart syndrome."In 1987, holiday heart syndrome was described in a study of 24 patients who landed in the hospital during the holiday season due to atrial fibrillation.Atrial fibrillation, or flutter, is a common type of abnormal heartbeat and has been linked to risk of stroke. In this condition, the heart rhythm is fast and irregular. Atrial fibrillation may occur without your knowledge, causing you to not seek medical attention and thus increase your risk of death from stroke.What can cause holiday heart syndrome?Listen in as Chadd Kraus, MD, discusses holiday heart syndrome and how you can protect yourself this holiday season.
