Do not, repeat, not – drink too much!
Joburg – HHS is typically associated with the consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol.
If you’re planning on partying it up this holiday season with champagne, shooters, wine and beer on tap, beware of a serious condition known as holiday heart syndrome (HHS).
According to Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics – SA’s leading supplier of heart medication, the syndrome can cause palpitations and irregular heart arrhythmias.
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Jennings describes the condition as typically occurring during the holidays when people who don’t suffer from heart disease experience irregular heart rhythms, following heavy alcohol consumption.
“The effects of alcohol on the heart generally depends on your age, health, the volume and the pattern of your drinking,” said Jennings.
“Excessive alcohol consumption over time can increase your risk of stroke, weaken the heart muscle and render it less efficient at pumping blood to vital organs. Blood pressure also increases with each standard alcoholic drink, which contains roughly 10 to 16g of alcohol depending on the liquor of your choice.
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“Holiday heart syndrome is typically associated with the consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time and can cause acute cardiovascular effects such as heartbeat irregularities, shortness of breath and chest pain.”
The effects are reversible if you stop drinking or greatly reduce the amount you consume, but can be alarming when you first experience it.
“Most of the irregular heart rhythms associated with the condition are atrial in nature.
“Atrial fibrillation or AF (when you experience heart palpitations, fatigue and shortness of breath) is the most common, but atrial flutter (a fast heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute) and ventricular ectopy (when your heart skips a beat) are also common,” she said.
Jennings says the mechanism of the condition isn’t fully understood, but alcohol affects the conduction paths of the heart, which explains the onset of atrial fibrillation.
“Abstaining from alcohol for a while is usually the recommended treatment for HHS, but it’s best to see a doctor who will check for a dangerous drop in blood pressure or signs of acute heart failure. It’s better to always err on the side of caution when it relates to the health of your heart,” she advised.
Details: Pharma Dynamics 011 234 3804.
