Experts warn about holiday heart syndrome, which is triggered by too much alcohol

The holidays are a festive time often filled with rich dishes and plenty of alcohol. But too much good cheer can lead to an increased risk of holiday heart syndrome.

“So holiday heart syndrome refers to a heart rhythm disturbance, said Dr. Rachel Bond, a cardiologist with the Dignity Health Medical Group.

And the most common disturbance is atrial fibrillation.

“And it often occurs after someone's had a heavy night of alcohol intake, often around the holidays or celebrations," Bond said.

Bond says symptoms can include palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue, or dizziness. For women, those symptoms are more subtle.

“So instead of feeling discomfort in their chest, they may notice that it's actually in their shoulder blades or maybe across their chest. Maybe they may have a fluttering in their chest, or maybe they may have some fatigue," Bond said.

Holiday heart may affect men and women differently, too. Men 45 and older and women 55 and older are at higher risk.

So are peri-menopausal women when hormones are fluctuating.

“As a result of that, if a female is in a perimenopausal period, and they have an episode where they're drinking several glasses or several alcoholic beverages as an example, they are more predisposed to having holiday heart," Bond said.

Bond recommends women limit their alcohol consumption to no more than one glass in a day; while men should keep it to no more than two.

The American Heat Association also recommends limiting alcohol consumption during the holidays, considering non-alcoholic options or alternating alcohol with plain water.