Cleveland Clinic cardiologist warns of the rise in “holiday heart syndrome” during the festive season
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- Cardiologist Antonio Lewis Camargo, of Cleveland Clinic, warns that excess alcohol over the holidays can bring on “holiday heart syndrome”, a temporary arrhythmia.
Cleveland. During the festive season, when alcohol consumption, heavy meals and the stress typical of the period all increase, Dr Antonio Lewis Camargo, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic, warns of a rise in cases of what is known as holiday heart syndrome.
The specialist explains that “it is a temporary cardiac arrhythmia (usually atrial fibrillation) that appears after drinking a lot of alcohol, especially at celebrations. Alcohol affects the heart muscle, alters electrolytes and can cause irregular rhythms. Heavy meals and stress also play a part.”
The cardiologist stresses that there are signs that need urgent attention. As he explains: “Palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue or weakness. If you have these symptoms, go to A&E and do not drive.” He also emphasises that these signs can indicate a serious episode that warrants immediate assessment.
On triggers, Dr Antonio Lewis Camargo says that “yes, alcohol is the most common factor (five or more drinks), but these also contribute: too much food, especially salty food; emotional stress; dehydration and loss of electrolytes.” These conditions occur most frequently at social gatherings and celebrations.
The Cleveland Clinic cardiologist also clarifies that the syndrome can appear even in people with no cardiac history. As he puts it: “Yes! It can happen in young, healthy people, although the risk increases if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnoea, obesity or are over 65.”
To prevent it, Dr Camargo shares a set of essential recommendations: “Avoid or limit alcohol; moderate your food (especially salt); stay hydrated; sleep well and manage stress; take regular physical exercise.” These measures can help reduce the risk during a season marked by excess.
The specialist concludes that, although holiday heart syndrome is usually temporary, it should not be ignored, since it is the body’s response to habits that can put heart health at risk during this period of the year.
About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit multispecialty academic medical centre that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care built on the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 70,800 employees worldwide are more than 4,660 salaried physicians and researchers, and 18,500 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialities and subspecialities. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,500-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 19 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient centres and locations in southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and London, England. In 2020, there were a total of 8.7 million outpatient visits, 273,000 hospital admissions and observations and 217,000 surgical cases across the Cleveland Clinic health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries.