eMedicine article/155050 | ||
Holiday heart syndrome is an irregular heartbeat pattern presented in individuals who are otherwise healthy. Coined in 1978 the term is defined as "abnormal heart rhythms sometimes following excessive alcohol consumption; usually temporary".
Holiday heart syndrome can be the result of stress, dehydration, and drinking alcohol. It is sometimes associated with binge drinking common during the holiday season. The condition can also occur when individuals consume only moderate amounts of alcohol.
Irregular heartbeats can be serious. If palpitations continue for longer than a few hours patients should seek medical attention. Some arrhythmias associated with HHS after binge drinking can lead to sudden death, which may explain some of the sudden death cases commonly reported in alcoholics. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in holiday heart syndrome. Symptoms usually resolve themselves within 24 hours.